Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique is allegedly willing to let Manuel Ugarte leave this summer, with Manchester United said to be keen on his services.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique is allegedly willing to let Manuel Ugarte leave this summer amid suggestions of interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new central midfielder this summer, with Christian Eriksen widely expected to depart, while Casemiro is also being heavily linked with an exit.
A recent report claimed that Ugarte had emerged as a target for the 20-time English champions, with contact already being made between the two clubs.
According to The Sunday People, PSG manager Enrique has made it clear that he is prepared to allow the Uruguay international to depart during the current market.
The French champions paid just over £51m to sign Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon last year and are believed to be looking for a similar fee for him during the summer.
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Enrique ‘prepared to let Ugarte leave’
Ugarte, valued at £38m by transfermarkt, made 37 appearances for PSG during the 2023-24 campaign, including eight outings in the Champions League, and he is currently with the Uruguay squad at the Copa America.
Before arriving in France, he represented Famalicao and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, and his form for the latter during the 2022-23 campaign led to a host of interest.
Man United are believed to have received a positive response from PSG when they approached the club to discuss a possible move this summer.
The Red Devils are said to be in the market for a holding midfielder to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes then operating as the number 10 behind a centre-forward once again.
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Ratcliffe is said to be driving the interest
Man United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be a huge admirer of Ugarte, viewing him as the ideal signing to boost the midfield this summer.
Ratcliffe is very familiar with French football, with his INEOS company owning Nice, and reports in Uruguay have claimed that the midfielder ‘would love’ to represent the Red Devils.
Man United have also been linked with Benfica’s Joao Neves, but a deal will be difficult due to the presence of a €120m (£101.6m) release clause in his contract.
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez has also ruled out a summer transfer, while his teammate Frenkie de Jong will once again be difficult to sign during the current window.
Man United are due to return to pre-season training on July 8 ahead of their first friendly of the summer against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg on July 15.