Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte has taken a new twist.
After clinching the move for Leny Yoro in mid-July, Manchester United appeared to immediately turn attentions to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Despite hopes a deal could be done before pre-season tour, negotiations with PSG hit a stalemate.
Even with PSG now confirming a deal for Joao Neves, United are no closer to an agreement for Ugarte.
Manuel Ugarte latest
With less than a fortnight to go before the Premier League season begins, it is decision time for Manchester United.
And according to The Athletic, Manchester United have decided to pivot and look at new targets.
Ugarte remains a player United admire, but the club have no intention of matching PSG’s £60 million asking price.
An inability to shift Casemiro has no doubt been an influencing factor in United’s more cautious spending strategy.
A deal for Ugarte is not dead, but as it stands, Manchester United intend to look elsewhere. It could be revisited if PSG drop their asking price.
It had been suggested by Fabrizio Romano last week that United hoped to do a loan with an option to buy. But PSG have not yet shown a willingness to go down this route.
There’s a chance this is simply a negotiating tactic from United to try and get PSG to lower their demands – but time is running out and United genuinely do now need to look at other options, it’s the sensible call.
On United’s radar
Sofyan Amrabat is a player United could bring back, but there was a feeling he could yet be in addition to Ugarte, rather than instead of.
Similar to Casemiro, that could depend on shifting Christian Eriksen out.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and free agent Adrien Rabiot are names who have been mentioned in recent weeks.
It’s possible we now see a raft of new names linked. Finding a partner for Kobbie Mainoo, a long-term one, should be a priority for United, and simply taking a bit of pressure off the teenager would be helpful.
Casemiro has looked poor at times during pre-season, highlighting United’s need for a new face in midfield.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/C14jgsA