Man Utd in ‘final stages’ of Manuel Ugarte transfer

Manchester United are now “close” to finalising a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte that would see the midfielder become the club’s fifth signing of the summer.

Ugarte is thought to have agreed personal terms over a potential move to Old Trafford back in July, but things were held up by a failure to come to an agreement over the transfer fee.

United later went on to wrap up a double defensive deal with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. But the Ugarte saga seemed to be resurrected when it became apparent that an initial loan with an obligation to buy might be a possibility.

Fabrizio Romanowrites that United have held positive talks with PSG on that front. “Details [are] being discussed” and the deal is considered to be in its “final stages”. The transfer specialist has also refuted claims of an alternative £42.5m bid being made for Atalanta’s Ederson.

Sky Sports further adds that a “broad agreement on many aspects of a deal” is close. The suggestion is that both clubs would ideally like to do a straight permanent transfer, but haven’t ruled out the loan with obligation to buy path.

To complete a permanent transfer now, United are likely to have to offload further players to create room – from-old-trafford”>Facundo Pellistri has joined Panathinaikos and Hannibal Mejbri is linked with Burnley – but Scott McTominay could end up staying regardless.

Ugarte, who is only 23 years of age, rose to prominence during two seasons at Sporting CP, but his time at PSG following a €60m transfer last summer underwhelmed, struggling to hold down a regular starting place. But the Uruguay international is noted for his tackling and ball-winning in midfield, which could be the extra bit that Erik ten Hag’s United currently lack.

United had Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina last season, although a longer-term deal for Morocco’s 2022 World Cup star wasn’t taken.

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