Manchester United identify Championship star as transfer target after showing no intention to match PSG’s asking price for Manuel Ugarte: Reports
Manchester United are actively searching for a central midfielder, with Burnley’s Sander Berge now emerging as a potential candidate for the role, according to FootballTransfers.
The club are aiming to revitalize their midfield, especially after Donny van de Beek’s move to Girona. The futures of Casemiro and Scott McTominay are uncertain, with the latter also being pursued by Fulham.
The Red Devils have already identified Manuel Ugarte as their top target, while they have also shown interest in former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
The deal for Ugarte is currently stalled due to a disagreement between Manchester United and PSG over his valuation. PSG are reportedly demanding £51.1 million, but United are unwilling to meet that price. Despite discussions with the player, the English club are yet to agree to the asking price with the club.
They, however, could get a boost, as PSG are set to complete the signing of Joao Neves from Benfica, which might make them more open to allowing Ugarte to leave.
If negotiations with PSG fail, Sander Berge is seen as a viable alternative for United. Burnley, having been relegated from the Premier League last season, could be open to selling the Norwegian midfielder for a much lower fee than Ugarte. Berge previously played for Sheffield United as well and has 66 Premier League appearances to his name.
Noussair Mazraoui nearing move to Manchester United
Manchester United’s search for a central midfielder continues, but they are certainly intensifying their efforts in other areas. Bayern Munich’s full-back Noussair Mazraoui is now seemingly nearing a move to the club.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that the deal is likely to go through, as a verbal agreement has been reached between the player and the club. He shared this update on the social media platform X:
"Noussair Mazraoui, he was just substituted in the 68th minute in the friendly match against Tottenham tonight in Seoul. The move to Manchester United is expected to go through soon. Bayern want to sell him. However, it is not yet a done deal. Verbal agreement between Mazraoui and MUFC is done."
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, could be on his way out after he was deemed surplus to requirements, with both West Ham and Inter Milan showing interest.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will turn their attention to their final pre-season game. They are set to face Liverpool on August 3 in South Carolina, before they face Manchester City in the Community Shield next week (August 10).