Manchester United remain in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Manuel Ugarte despite the club’s decision to explore alternative options.
Erik ten Hag wants to sign Ugarte as he looks to reinforce the spine of his side in defensive midfield but the Red Devils have so far been reluctant to meet PSG’s €70m (£59.8m) asking price.
PSG are open to the sale of the Uruguay international after completing the signing of Joao Neves from Benfica, though are keen to recoup their €60m investment in the player 12 months ago.
Ugarte made just 21 league starts during a mixed first season in Paris, though showed his credentials as a midfield anchor by leading Ligue 1 for tackles per game.
Sky Germany are reporting that Manchester United’s move for Ugarte is ‘not 100% off at this stage’ despite a decision to explore alternative targets after initial talks stalled. Ugarte wants to move to the Premier League while the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is pushing to engineer a transfer to Old Trafford.
United have spent close to £90m on the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, though further business is expected before the deadline. In addition to a defensive midfielder, the Red Devils are also keen to sign Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one player who could leave to raise funds amid interest from West Ham, while United have received a bid from Fulham for Scott McTominay. There is also interest in Jadon Sancho from PSG.
