Manchester United ‘getting closer’ to fifth summer signing

Manchester United are ‘getting closer’ to reaching an agreement to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte has agreed personal terms over a transfer to the Premier League with the midfielder keen on the move to Old Trafford.



 

The two teams remain in negotiations to discuss the structure of a deal, that will either be a permanent move or a loan with an obligation to buy. Ugarte signed for PSG from Sporting Lisbon last summer for a fee of €60m but has been deemed surplus to requirements in Paris after the arrival of Joao Neves from Benfica.

Sky Germany are reporting that United’s move for the Uruguay international is ‘very advanced’ but ‘not a done deal’ as things stand.

The 23-year-old would bolster the club’s defensive midfield options following the return of loanee Sofyan Amrabat to Fiorentina. There is also transfer interest in Scott McTominay from Fulham and Galatasaray.

Ugarte led Ligue 1 for tackles per game in 2023/24, though made just 21 league starts for the French champions. A prolific ball-winner, he formed part of the Uruguay team that reached the Copa America semi-finals in the summer.

Ugarte could become the fifth major signing of the summer for Manchester United under new co-owners Ineos, following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee – who scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham on Friday – Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.



 

Manchester United had been linked with Atalanta midfielder Ederson as an alternative, though no approach has been made for the Brazilian will full focus on Ugarte. The Red Devils also showed interest in signing Sander Berge from Burnley, though the Norwegian has since joined Fulham.

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