Man Utd still keen on long-time midfield target despite Ugarte agreement

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Jul 2024 13:46 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United retain an interest in Adrien Rabiot despite having agreed personal terms with Manuel Ugarte, according to French media.

The Red Devils are looking to overhaul their midfield after strengthening their frontline with Joshua Zirkzee and the rearguard with Leny Yoro. The priority is currently adding a defensive-minded player for the engine room.

This is due to the fact that veteran Casemiro could yet leave Old Trafford. The Brazilian has Saudi suitors and some at Man Utd are keen to sell. However, FootballTransfers understands that Casemiro will only entertain a departure if he receives an offer that significantly improves his already-substantial salary.

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This is a potential problem because Man Utd, having already spent north of €100m, are not in a position to bring in any more players unless they manage to raise funds from sales first. The Red Devils want to replace Casemiro with PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, having already agreed personal terms with him.

Man Utd still keen on Rabiot

PSG are asking for €70 million for Ugarte, but Man Utd will not pay that much, according to Fabrizio Romano. Given the lack of movement on the Casemiro front and the Parisians' asking price, this saga is expected to drag on for some time still.

Intriguingly, the Italian transfer expert also previously stated that Man Utd are no longer interested in Adrien Rabiot as he doesn't fit the profile of midfielder they are currently looking for, but L'Equipe is now reporting the opposite.

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According to the French outlet, Man Utd do still consider the former Juventus star a target. The France international is a free agent after leaving the Bianconeri and dreams of playing in the Premier League, with several other unnamed clubs keen.

The above-mentioned report states that Man Utd retain an interest in the 29-year-old because they are not only intent on selling Casemiro but they also want to cash in on Scott McTominay. The latter's departure would then open up a spot for Rabiot, who has been on the Red Devils' radar for several years.