Manchester United have reportedly made their first move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo, as well as a centre-back and striker, with Brazilian veteran Casemiro said to be set to leave. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee are rumoured to be INEOS’ top choices for the latter two positions.
Ugarte seems to be a priority for the club’s football decision-makers, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, following an initial approach. L’Equipe reports that Ugarte is considering his future at PSG just a year after his £51million transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
READ MORE: Man Utd slammed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘moves women’s team out of training building for men’
READ MORE: Serbia star Dusan Vlahovic dates ‘Italian Megan Fox’ and denied affair with team-mate’s wife
The 23-year-old midfielder’s debut season didn’t live up to expectations, playing in only 25 of PSG’s 38 Ligue 1 games. He made 37 appearances across all competitions, reports the Express. The report suggests that Ugarte has attracted attention from England, Italy and Germany as he potentially looks for a way out of Parc des Princes.
It’s also reported that United have already put in a bid for him, which was quickly turned down by the French champions for being below their valuation. PSG aren’t under any pressure to sell Ugarte, who signed a long-term contract until 2028 when he joined last summer.
Do you think Ugarte would be a good addition at Old Trafford? Let us know in the comments section below
(Image: (Image: Getty))
Learn more
United’s next move remains uncertain due to the financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. However, INEOS are said to still be optimistic that a deal can be done. The budget of the Old Trafford giants may see a slight increase after the current PSR window closes on July 1.
However, they will need to rely on player sales to adequately support Erik ten Hag this summer. United have already indicated to Everton that they are not prepared to meet their £75m valuation for Branthwaite and will withdraw if a compromise cannot be reached.
It is unlikely that Ratcliffe will approve a deal of such magnitude in his first transfer window, which could also result in PSG pricing Ugarte out of a move. United’s summer won’t be without its challenges, with technical director Jason Wilcox being the only INEOS appointment currently operating at Carrington.
They have been forced to wait until July 13 to welcome new chief executive Omar Berrada from Manchester City. Meanwhile, the arrival of chosen sporting director Dan Ashworth may be postponed until 2025 as Newcastle United stand firm on their compensation demands.
However, United are showing signs of activity and are clearly planning to replace Casemiro as soon as his expected departure is confirmed.