EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd and Ugarte continue talks as confidence grows on deal with PSG

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 29 Jul 2024 09:50 BST
4 min read

Manuel Ugarte, Man Utd, PSG, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manuel Ugarte remains a major target for Manchester United and there is confidence that a deal will be concluded further down the line, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The Red Devils are looking for a holding midfielder to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo and the Paris Saint-Germain No.6 remains seen as a top target.

There still remains some distance in terms of valuation. The Ligue 1 champions are holding out for €70 million for the player who signed for them just last year from Sporting CP - but, at present, Man Utd deem this to be too much.

PSG club sources have told us throughout the window that no offers or proposals have been made for Ugarte despite reports to the contrary. However, we understand that there is a belief that an agreement will be reached further down the window at a lower price.

Ugarte is hoping to join the Old Trafford club after being informed that he will receive limited game-time under PSG coach Luis Enrique and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.

Current ETV

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€31.1M - €51.8M

Meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat is still a possible midfield target but so far no proposals have been sent to Fiorentina. Another target, as previously reported, is Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand as well as Adrien Rabiot of Juventus.

Man Utd look to bolster defence

© IMAGO - Man Utd are closing in on a deal for Mazraoui

Man Utd remain in talks over the signings of Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt. To bolster their funds, the Premier League giants are hoping they can facilitate the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is liked by West Ham.

Man Utd recruitment’s priority is Jarrad Branthwaite, and he remains a bigger target than the Dutchman De Ligt. The 22-year-old verbally agreed to a £150,000-per-week contract with the defender earlier this summer, as was first revealed by FootballTransfers.

For the right-back position, Man Utd have Monaco's Vanderson and Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord on their list. But, indeed, Erik ten Hag has his eyes on Mazraoui and a deal for the 26-year-old has been agreed in principle with Bayern.

The defender, who is another player the former Ajax coach feels would work in his tactical system, is set to join for a fee of €20m.

During Man Utd's 2024 tour of the United States, Rasmus Hojlund scored his first goal as the club's No.9 as the side lost 2-1 to Arsenal over 90 minutes in Los Angeles and won the subsequent penalty shootout 4-3.