Man Utd Transfer News Today: Ugarte OPEN to switch, De Ligt talks START, Branthwaite deal STALLS

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 30 Jun 2024 15:22 BST
• 5 min read

Manchester United’s transfer window has been off to a sluggish start but now some names have appeared to be widely connected with a move to Old Trafford.

In fact, a prominent name for every position - and in some cases two. Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt are liked for the centre-back pairing, while there is Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee for the forward role.

With Casemiro likely to leave, a holding midfielder is needed, with Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain being heavily linked.

READ MORE: Romano drops Man Utd bomb: Huge deal to be completed 'today or tomorrow'

Yesterday it was reported in Sky Sports, that Man Utd are continuing to hold talks with PSG over the signing of the 23-year-old.

Today Fabrizio Romano has stated that the player is very much open to the switch. In quotes relayed by outlet Football365, Romano said: “Manchester United and PSG have resumed contact in the last few hours for Manuel Ugarte. PSG are ready to sell him this summer and the player is expected to leave. Ugarte would be ready to join United even without the Champions League. There is still no formal offer.”

Ugarte only arrived at Paris Saint Germain last summer but he hasn’t quite settled in France. It is understood PSG would be open to selling the Uruguayan international for the right price.

Another option for the Red Devils could be Amadou Onana of Everton. However, if they want a proper replacement for Casemiro, they ought to keep pursuing Ugarte.

READ MORE: Greenwood to Marseille – what we know so far

Man Utd open talks with De Ligt

Man Utd have opened talks with Matthijs de Ligt's representatives side now.

Sky Germany report that the Premier League club have gathered more information about the defender and he can leave Bayern Munich with a suitable offer and that talks with the player's side are now underway.

Fabrizio Romano and Sky Germany reported yesterday that Man Utd have contacted Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt over a potential transfer. The response the Red Devils received was positive, with the player's camp indicating that the centre-back would be open to a move.

Bayern are willing to sell the Dutchman after signing Hiroki Ito and due to being in talks with Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Jonathan Tah. De Ligt has no intention of becoming the fourth or fifth-choice centre-back in Munich and so is looking for an exit.

A potential problem could be the fee, with Man Utd not prepared to break the bank for the former Ajax man as they continue to operate on a restricted budget.

Branthwaite stalemate

Despite the pursuit of De Ligt, Man Utd's interest in Branthwaite has not cooled, according to Romano. On the contrary, the Everton starlet remains a top target, but there is a statement over the fee between them and Everton.

Man Utd remain interested in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite but continues to refuse to match the Toffees' asking price for the defender.

Fabrizio Romano explains: "Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the list at United too, but the £70m fee required by Everton is still considered too expensive."

Man Utd have only offered around half that fee.

Joshua Zirkzee Optimism for Manchester United

Manchester United are 'cautiously optimistic' over their prospects of completing a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Sky Sports.

They are still locked in talks with the agents of the Netherlands striker.

Adding a striker to the club is another key priority for Ten Hag and Zirkzee who has enjoyed a fruitful campaign leading Bologna to the Champions League and is seen as an ideal target.

Only 23 years old, he has years of experience playing in top leagues in Europe and made 15 goal contributions in 34 matches for Bologna last season.

His Italian club are believed to be reluctant to sell one of their prized assets. Especially with Riccardo Calafiori also looking likely to leave Bologna. However, for the right price Manchester United could definitely secure a deal for the forward who is currently on international duty competing for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.