Manchester United are “now close” to securing the signature of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils are expected to sign the Uruguayan international on an initial loan deal but with an obligation to buy next summer. Romano said the latest talks with PSG have been “positive” with the move likely to be “done” soon:
🚨🔴 Manchester United are now close to getting Manu Ugarte deal done!
As revealed last week, #MUFC want to proceed with loan + obligation to buy and meeting with PSG was positive.
No bids for Ederson — Man Utd want Ugarte, details being discussed.
Deal at final stages. ⏳🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/a3VLVLMdeg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2024
At the moment, it is not clear how much the purchase clause will be. PSG have been demanding around €60m (£51m) but United are reportedly not prepared to pay that much.
Ederson is not an active target
Reports in the Italian media had claimed that United had made an enquiry for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, Romano is adamant that “no bids” have been tabled for the Brazilian.
Atalanta are believed to be keen on keeping the player, with Teun Koopmeiners already likely to move to Juventus. They don’t want two key members of the first-team squad leaving in the same transfer window.
United could offload players before next week’s deadline
The likes of Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho have been linked with transfers away from Old Trafford in recent weeks.
If Ugarte does arrive over the coming days, it would raise doubts about the future of McTominay, in particular. The Scottish international is said to be a target for Napoli but it remains to be seen if the Italian side can match the player’s £30m asking price.
