Manchester United prepare 4-man midfielder shortlist as alternatives to Manuel Ugarte - Reports
Manchester United have reportedly identified four alternatives to PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Parisians bought him for a reported £52 million from Sporting CP last summer.
However, Ugarte wasn't a regular starter for Luis Enrique's side last season - contributing three assists in 37 games across competitions - starting 27 times. As per Transfermarkt, his market value is €45 million (£37.5 million).
The Red Devils reckon Ugarte's valuation should match his reduced game time, but the Parisians are adamant on getting the same price they bought him for last summer.
As a result, Erik ten Hag's side - as per Telegraph - have identified alternatives. They are Sander Berge (Burnley), Richard Ríos (Palmeiras), Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina) - who was on loan at Old Trafford last season.
It's pertinent to note that United had the option to buy Amrabat permamently on a reported £17.1 deal (plus £4.3 million in add-ones) but didn't exercise that option. That means a potential permanent move for the midfielder would have to negotiated afresh with the Serie A side.
Casemiro was thought to be on the exit list, but interest in his services has been lukewarm. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay might have played his last for the club, with reported interest from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, explaining United scouring the market for midfield reinforcements.
What's next for Manchester United?
Manchester United have had a mixed pre-season, starting off with a surprise 1-0 loss at Rosenborg away before beating Rangers 2-0 in Edinburgh. They then lost 2-1 to Arsenal in Los Angeles.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways with a 3-2 defeat of Real Betis in San Diego but ended their pre-season with a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in South Carolina. They next take on Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at the Wembley in London on August 10.
Erik ten Hag's side open their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham seven days later, hoping to better their dismal eighth-placed finish last season, their worst finish in the Premier League era.