Manchester United identify 5 central midfield targets after Manuel Ugarte deal stalls; enter talks with 25-year-old star: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly begun talks to sign Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco. They are currently looking at alternatives after shifting focus from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Manuel Ugarte.
As per a report in Sky Sports, Burnley's Sander Berge, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, and Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat are also on the Red Devils' radar. They are keen on adding a defensive midfielder this summer and see the six players as the ideal fit.
PSG were open to selling Ugarte to Manchester United this summer but the asking price was reportedly set at €60 million. Erik ten Hag's side have no plans to pay the fee for the Uruguayan star this summer, nor get it done with an obligation at the end of the season.
AS Monaco are looking to sell Fofana this summer and were in talks with AC Milan. They are looking for €35 million - a fee much lower than what PSG wanted for Ugarte and that has caught Manchester United's attention.
Ten Hag is keen on getting a midfielder, as Casemiro was not at his best last season. Moreover, Fulham are in talks to sign Scott McTominay this summer.
Duncan Castles reported on Manchester United's next targets
Duncan Castles spoke on The Transfers Podcast last week and stated that Manchester United were starting to look elsewhere after failing to agree a deal with PSG. He stated that Burnley star Sander Berge is the top target next.
Castles said:
"Another individual who I don't think has been mentioned at all in other reports as a candidate for Man United but I am told they are discussing as an option if the Ugarte deal doesn't go through is Norway international Sander Berge. He is 26 years of age. He will almost certainly leave Burnley this summer having only joined last year, he doesn't want to play in the Championship again."
"It's an interesting option, a different style to Ugarte, taller and more elegant in the midfield. Other clubs are interested in Berge including two Champions League qualifiers, one in Spain and one in Italy. So I think he's an individual to pay attention to, a surprise option for United, but one they could go for if they can't get a resolution on a fee with PSG," he added.
Manchester United have signed two players this summer so far – Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.