Revealed: Man Utd switch attention to France star after Ugarte BLOW

Cameron Smith

30 Jun 2024 10:00 CDT
3 min read

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

Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of selling Manchester United target Manuel Ugarte, as per reports in France.

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The 23-year-old lost his place in Luis Enrique’s preferred XI during the second half of last season, but the Spaniard is reportedly eager for Ugarte to remain at the Parc des Princes.

The Uruguay international has emerged as a key transfer target for Man Utd as they search for a new central midfielder, amid Casemiro’s uncertain future and inconsistent form, however a move to Old Trafford now seems unlikely.

According to French outlet Le10Sport, Ugarte is not for sale and PSG won’t allow him to leave unless a huge offer is lodged by Erik ten Hag’s side.

At current, Man Utd reportedly don’t have the funds to lodge a serious pursuit of Ugarte and they must therefore target cheaper options. Le10Sport have revealed that AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana is now their priority target.

The Frenchman, who is currently with his nation at Euro 2024, could be available for as little as €25 million this summer due to the fact his current contract is due to expire next year.

Manuel Ugarte to stay at PSG?

Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting CP for €60 million last summer and he made 37 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign at the club. The Uruguayan now looks set to remain with the Parisians.

Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery and Fabian Ruiz were frequently selected ahead of Ugarte during the latter stages of 2023-24, but PSG are keen to retain his services, despite huge interest from Man Utd.

The Red Devils have been linked with a host of central midfielders ahead of an important summer transfer window, with Everton’s Amadou Onana and Benfica’s Joao Neves among their targets.

However, Fofana appears the player most likely to join Man Utd this summer.