Manchester United prepare €35m bid for PSG star, 23-year-old wants PL move: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly set to make an offer for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan is on the Red Devils' radar and could depart the Parc des Princes despite spending just a year in Paris.
Uruguayan outlet @UruguayFichajes on X reports that a €35 million bid is expected to be made. Erik ten Hag views Ugarte as the ideal player to take up the holding midfield role in his team.
Ugarte would love to play in the Premier League after a topsy-turvy campaign with PSG. He appeared 37 times across competitions, registering three assists, but struggled to cement a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique's side.
Manchester United want to make changes to their midfield this summer, with Casemiro potentially exiting. The veteran Brazilian midfielder struggled last season, and his future is uncertain.
Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting CP last summer for €60 million and was considered one of Europe's brightest holding midfielders. He'd starred for Ruben Amorim's side at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
L'Equipe reports that United can expect to face competition for Ugarte from English and German clubs. Chelsea were close to signing the 17-cap Uruguay international last summer, but the Parisians hijacked their pursuit.
Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United and PSG hold a 'good relationship' amid Manuel Ugarte speculation
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano gave his take on Ugarte's situation and downplayed suggestions Manchester United made a bid days ago. The Italian journalist highlighted the two European giants' strong relationship and claimed they held talks about several players.
Romano told fans on his Playback.tv stream:
"Manchester United didn't present an official bid for Manuel Ugarte. It was a direct contact between the two clubs. The relationship is very good and they discussed several players, not only Ugarte. Ugarte was one of the topics, he's one of the options (United) they have in the list for the midfield."
Romano pointed out that a Ugarte move could come with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen on the move. He also said that the Red Devils still need to make a decision over Sofyan Amrabat. The Fiorentina midfielder's loan expires at the end of this month, and they can make the deal permanent.
Ugarte has four years left on his contract with PSG and is currently away at Copa America with Uruguay. His style of play could suit the Premier League, as he's aggressive and relentless in the press.