EXCLUSIVE: 'Ugarte to go down to Deadline Day' - Man Utd face sweat over PSG star

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 26 Aug 2024 13:27 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Manchester United's deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is in its advanced stages but no move is imminent despite reports to the contrary, FootballTransfers can reveal.

'An unnamed source has told us that the transfer is "definitely not close" and is expected to drag on until Transfer Deadline Day, 30 August.

FootballTransfers were the first to reveal that PSG would be open to an obligation-to-buy loan deal but would not entertain any straight loan.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

The Ligue 1 champions are hoping to recoup a large chunk of the €70 million they paid Sporting CP for Ugarte just last summer. This is despite the player not being in head coach Luis Enrique's plans for the season.

Ugarte has been left out of PSG's two opening league games, against Le Havre and Montpellier, respectively.

It's thought that Man Utd's loss to Brighton at the weekend - a 2-1 defeat at the Amex with Joao Pedro's late goal being the difference - could play a factor in the Premier League giants ensuring that they bring in Erik ten Hag's priority target for midfield.

READ MORE: Winners and losers of Manuel Ugarte joining Man Utd

Furthermore, Scott McTominay's exit to Napoli means that the Red Devils must find a replacement.

The likelihood remains strong that Ugarte will be a Man Utd player before the window closes, but there are still a few obstacles to iron out before any deal is sealed.

Manuel Ugarte - how much is he worth?

Current ETV

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

€41M

ETV Range

€30.7M - €51.2M

View full profile

Ugarte is worth €41m according to FootballTransfers' Estimated Transfer Value algorithm.

It means that Man Utd would be overpaying by close to €20m should they meet PSG's demands and pay €70m for the 23-year-old.

Ugarte's contract is up at the Parc des Princes in 2028, with the player signing for the French outfit just last summer.

Bayern Munich and clubs in the Serie A have been previously linked with a move for the youngster.