Man Utd 'pushing' for THIRD signing after Zirkzee and De Ligt

Tom Weber

• Updated: 8 Jul 2024 16:23 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are now 'pushing' to secure the signature of Manuel Ugarte, according to a report.

The Red Devils' summer business has finally been kickstarted. Man Utd are one step away from making Joshua Zirkzee their first arrival of the transfer window, having already agreed all the necessary requirements of the deal and now only having to decide whether to trigger his €40 million release clause or whether to try and negotiate a different payment structure with Bologna.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag and company are also working to get a move for Matthijs de Ligt over the line. The Dutchman, keen to leave Bayern after being deemed surplus to requirements, is only talking to Man Utd and is looking forward to reuniting with his former Ajax boss at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Winners and losers of Joshua Zirkzee's transfer to Man Utd

Man Utd have been surprised by how cheap De Ligt actually is and it is expected that both of these transfers will be swiftly wrapped up upon the conclusion of the Netherlands' Euro 2024 campaign.

After Zirkzee and De Ligt, Man Utd want to make Manuel Ugarte their third recruit of the summer window.

Man Utd pushing for Ugarte

The Red Devils' interest in the Uruguay international, who scored the decisive penalty against Brazil in the Copa America quarter-final at the weekend, has been established for a couple of weeks now.

Initially, talks had not led to much, with Man Utd, despite reports, yet to table an official bid for the PSG midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, the interest from Ten Hag persists, with Man Utd potentially having to sign a replacement for Casemiro. FootballTransfers understands that the Brazilian would like to stay, but the club hierarchy could look to move him on after a disappointing season.

READ MORE: Man Utd and Branthwaite talks to take place TODAY

Journalist Christopher Michel reports that Man Utd are now optimistic and 'pushing' for the transfer of Ugarte. PSG want a fee in the region of the €60 million they paid Sporting CP last year, but it seems unlikely that they will be able to recoup their original outlay.

Man Utd value the player at a little over €40m and the expectation is that the two clubs will eventually meet somewhere in the middle in terms of a transfer fee for the 23-year-old.