Saturday’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion is likely to come too soon for the man likely to become Manchester United’s fifth signing of the Ineos era.
But, with talks now at an advanced stage, do not rule out the prospect of some major developments in Manchester United’s pursuit of their number one central midfield target before the whistle sounds at The Amex this weekend.
Talks are progressing quickly between the Red Devils and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The sticking point has always been Manuel Ugarte’s price-tag – PSG are keen to sell and Man United are keen to sign – with the two clubs discussing whether the deal should be a permanent one or an initial loan with an obligation or option-to-buy clause included.
According to Le Parisien, United and PSG are edging towards the former.
Manchester United near PSG deal with Manuel Ugarte
Erik ten Hag’s team are reportedly willing to bring in the Uruguay international permanently, with a deal likely to cost somewhere in the region of £51 million.
That fee may be a little on the hefty side – especially given that United wanted PSG to make a loss on a player who only arrived last summer from Sporting Lisbon – though the structure of the deal may allow for some financial wriggle room.
Fabrizio Romano has heard differently, however, claiming than an initial loan remains on the cards.
Furthermore, while Romano is not quite ready to say the three words Man United fans are waiting to hear – no ‘here we go’ just yet – those discussions are now ‘at the final stages’.
Taking to X, he also plays down claims that United had identified Atalanta enforcer Ederson as a potential alternative. Another of the midfielders heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford – Norway enforcer Sander Berge – completed his £25 million move from Burnley to Fulham on Thursday.
Dream Old Trafford switch edges closer
It is not secret that – like with former Bayern Munich and Ajax duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui – Ugarte has his heart set on a move to Man United.
“It is important to say that movements are taking place in Manchester,” Romano told his official YouTube channel last week. “(Agent) Jorge Mendes is in England, talking to Manchester United on a regular basis because Jorge Mendes is the man who is leading the conversations and the negotiations for Manuel Ugarte.
“Ugarte, almost one month ago, agreed on personal terms with Manchester United, saying yes to Manchester United. Jorge Mendes is the same agent as (who represents) Leny Yoro.
“Mendes is still working, still trying to find a way between PSG and Manchester United,” Romano added. “Ugarte wants to go to Manchester United. He is pushing to go to Manchester United.
“He is in love with the idea of playing for Manchester United; Old Trafford, the Premier League, the opportunity to work at an important club.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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