Manchester United are reportedly in "constant dialogue" with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Manuel Ugarte but have thus far been unable to come to an agreement with the French champions.
Ugarte is believed to be the English team's leading midfield target this summer, and the Uruguay international is said to have already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.
However, Man United are yet to settle on a transfer fee with Luis Enrique's side, as conversations between the two clubs continue, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
"They remain in conversations with Paris Saint-Germain, while they have an agreement with the player. I'm hearing there are contacts ongoing between Man United and PSG since June, not official bids accepted or rejected - it's a constant dialogue between the clubs," Romano wrote in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside.
"Ugarte remains on Man United's list and he said yes last week, so now it depends on Manchester United. But as I previously said, it was always going to take some days to decide after they spent big money on Leny Yoro."
© Reuters
Man United 'yet' to agree transfer fee with PSG
Earlier this week, Football Insider reported that Man United are preparing to hold fresh discussions with PSG this week in the hope that a breakthrough can be made.
Ugarte's agent is Jorge Mendes, who represents Yoro, and the Portuguese is believed to be pushing for his client to secure a move to Man United in the near future.
The 23-year-old only made the switch to PSG from Sporting Lisbon last summer, and he appeared on 37 occasions for the French giants during the 2023-24 campaign, including 25 outings in Ligue 1.
Despite signing him to a five-year contract upon his arrival, Enrique's team are said to be prepared to let the South American leave, with Benfica's Joao Neves being identified as his replacement.
© Reuters
Why do Man United want Ugarte?
Man United want to bring in a defensive midfielder this summer to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Casemiro struggling for performances during the 2023-24 campaign.
Casemiro could leave this summer, while Christian Eriksen is also expected to depart, so a central midfielder is viewed as a priority arrival for the English giants.
Ugarte was in excellent form for Uruguay at this summer's Copa America, and he also starred for Sporting ahead of his move to the French capital.
The midfielder found it difficult to show his best form last season, but there is no doubting his quality, and he could be the perfect fit for the Premier League considering his skill set.
Matt Law
