- 13 hours ago
Man Utd hold 'initial talks' with ANOTHER Ugarte alternative
Robin Bairner
- 7 Aug 2024 06:31 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United’s search for a central midfielder continues, and while the Red Devils continue to hold an interest in PSG star Manuel Ugarte, the Old Trafford side is increasingly looking at alternatives to the Uruguay international.
Man Utd appear to have hit a brick wall in talks with the Ligue 1 champions over Ugarte, 23.
Talks have been ongoing for several weeks, but they are unwilling to meet PSG’s demands of a transfer fee of around €60 million for the former Sporting CP player, who specialises in ball winning.
FootballTransfers, via the Transfers Podcast, has exclusively revealed that Burnley midfielder Sander Berge is one of those players that Man Utd are following, yet Erik ten Hag’s side appear to be most interested in signing another Ligue 1 player as an alternative to Ugarte, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €41m.
EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd reaffirm Gomes interest after ending Ugarte pursuit
Man Utd open Fofana talks
According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils have held “initial talks” over the possibility of signing France international midfielder Youssouf Fofana from Monaco.
Dharmersh Sheth has reported on his X: “Manchester United have held initial talks with Monaco over midfielder Youssouf Fofana. United looking at several options – including Richard Rios, Sander Berge, Martin Zubimendi and Sofyan Amrabat. Interest retained in PSG’s Manuel Ugarte – but not at prices being quoted.”
Like Ugarte, Fofana is primarily a defensive ball-winner who offers a limited amount going forward.
Current ETV
Youssouf Fofana
DM (RL), M (C)
null
Youssouf Fofana
DM (RL), M (C)
null
ETV Range
€15M - €25M
FootballTransfers, meanwhile, has exclusively reported that Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers is another player the Red Devils are keeping their eyes on.
This would hint at an exit for Casemiro, who endured a difficult 2023/24 campaign and also made a glaring blunder against Liverpool at the weekend, suggesting his on-field problems are not over.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, although some reports have claimed that he wants to stay and prove himself at Man Utd for one final season.
Meanwhile, United’s prospects of signing Zubimendi look slim given the Euro 2024 star has indicated he does not want to leave Spain in the face of interest from Arsenal.
