DEAL CLOSE: Manchester United new signing arriving in style to complete Medical today, jersey number confirmed as announcement will be done today
Manchester United are searching for a new holding midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte has been earmarked as the priority target, but the Red Devils are not in a position to meet the £51 million asking price.
Fabrizio Romano reports that United are now working on a loan deal for the 23-year-old with an obligation to buy.
Negotiations are ongoing between the clubs. Agent Jorge Mendes is also holding talks with Paris Saint-Germain with Ugarte pushing to join the Red Devils.
The Uruguayan, who has been described as ‘tireless‘ by Paris Saint-Germain’s official website, has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract.
United could seal Ugarte deal before transfer deadline
The Red Devils are prioritising the transfer of Ugarte over any other player. The midfielder is reportedly ‘crazy‘ to join the club and has been waiting since the end of July.
The club have been unable to persuade Les Parisiens to lower their price and they are now looking into a different solution which could be acceptable for the French giants.
A loan with an obligation to buy for the same fee could be hard to turn down for Luis Enrique’s side.
The Ligue 1 holders recently suffered a huge setback with Goncalo Ramos fracturing his ankle and they are likely to recruit a marquee centre-forward before the deadline.
Paris Saint-Germain have plenty of funds to spend on a striker, but may prefer an outgoing first to stay on the safer side with the Financial Fair Play regulations going forward.
In our view, they could be tempted to accept United’s latest transfer offer, considering they would be guaranteed a big fee for Ugarte during next summer’s transfer window.
The club already have a replacement in place, having signed Joao Neves from Benfica.
