- 4 hours ago
Ugarte gives POSITIVE reaction to Man Utd interest as Ratcliffe closes in on first signing
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 30 Jun 2024 16:34 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are closing in on the first signing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s era at the helm of the club, with Manuel Ugarte having reacted in a positive manner to the club’s interest.
Man Utd are liable to need a new central midfielder this summer because Casemiro is expected to depart.
Although the club are pushing ahead with deals in other areas of the field, most notably at centre-back, where talks with Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt have reportedly been opened, it is in the heart of the park that they appear best placed to land a deal.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano announces HERE WE GO on biggest deal of the summer!
Current ETV
Manuel Ugarte
DM (CRL)
Manuel Ugarte
DM (CRL)
PSG
ETV Range
€31.4M - €52.3M
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Ugarte has reacted in a positive manner after learning of Man Utd’s interest in his services.
In quotes relayed by French 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.”
READ MORE: Ugarte v Onana: Who should be Man Utd’s Casemiro replacement?
Ugarte negotiations ongoing
A deal may yet be difficult to broker.
Despite Romano’s indication that no bid has been made, Ben Jacobs has claimed that United have made an approach to PSG of €30 million, which was dismissed by the Ligue 1 side.
The Parc des Princes outfit are demanding €60m for the 23-year-old, which is the price they paid Sporting CP for him a year ago.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals
PSG’s negotiating position, though, is not strong. They have made it clear that they want to sell the Uruguay star, with head coach not having Ugarte, who is under contract until 2028, in his plans.
Reports suggest the French champions have offered the defensive midfielder to multiple Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
Ugarte’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €41.8m.
