Paris Saint-Germain are now reportedly in a position to agree a loan deal for Manuel Ugarte as Man Utd make a breakthrough.
The Red Devils have signed two players this summer: Dutch foreigner Joshua Zirkzee, who arrives from Bologna, and young centre-back Leny Yoro, from Ligue Un Lille.
An injury to Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund could now “accelerate” Manchester United’s plans to sign the centre-back and striker before the end of the summer transfer window.
Man Utd are also keen to sign a defensive midfielder in the coming weeks, with PSG’s Ugarte and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat being their two main targets.
Ugarte is their main target, and PSG’s value is the biggest deterrent for Man Utd, with the French side missing €60m (£51m) for the Uruguayan international.
But a new report from French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) claims that PSG have “rejected the demands” of Ugarte and will “allow Man Utd to sign the midfielder on condition. “
PSG have softened their stance on a permanent transfer and are now open to a “paid loan with a higher acquisition option” despite Ugarte arriving from Sporting Lisbon just a year ago for €60m.
Ligue One is now “focusing on moving Ugarte” and PSG are set to close a deal for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this week.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Neves, a former Manchester United target, has been in Paris for his medical as PSG seek to reach an agreement.
Romano writes in X: “Joao Neves, in Paris with the medical tests booked as a new Paris Saint-Germain player. The signing of the contract will remain after a global agreement of 60 million euros plus another 10 million euros with Benfica.
Man Utd beat Real Betis early Thursday morning in an entertaining 3-2 win with Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford on the scoreboard.
Speaking about the performance, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said after the match: “I think it was good, the guys did well. At the beginning we had some disorders and lost 1-0, which shouldn’t happen. In fact, I think it was the first time they came in here in our dressing room.
“But then we took control and recovered, I think we scored three very smart goals, first the penalty and then a smart play through Amad. The second one, I would say [also], is a very smart goal.
“The third from a corner is also a great goal. The moment when Harry Amass put in the cross and Amad scored the goal with the beautiful finish.
Speaking at Amad’s presentation against Betis, Ten Hag added: “Yes, he [Amad] is behaving well and having a smart pre-season so far. You can surely see that it’s his game.
“Also in the defensive component, with counter-pressure and also with pressure, he does very well. So I’m pleased with his performance.