NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Manuel Ugarte has told Paris Saint-Germain that he intends to sign for Manchester United this summer, according to reports in France.
United have completed two new signings this month, following the week’s €42. 5m (£36. 5m) move for Joshua Zirkzee by agreeing a £52m deal with Lille for the centre-back 18-year-old Leny Yoro on Thursday.
United are looking for a new central midfielder to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s team and Ugarte has his main target.
United are understood to have reached a non-public deal with the Uruguay international, who wants to move to Old Trafford despite the lack of a Champions League.
Reports this week claimed that PSG would expect €70m (£58. 9m) for Ugarte, while United would not achieve that figure until they sold more players.
However, FootMercato reports that the relationship between PSG and United is already “close. “
The report adds that Ugarte has also “warned” PSG that United is his first destination and has ruled out a move to the club.
Ugarte signed through PSG from Portuguese side Sporting last year for a payment of €60m (£51. 1m).
The 23-year-old started 27 games in all competitions for PSG last season but was left on the bench thanks to Luis Enrique in both Champions League semi-final games against Borussia Dortmund.
When asked in an interview with Prime Video in May if he was looking to stay at PSG, Ugarte responded: “I hope so, I would love to stay here. We’ll see what happens.
Ugarte is currently on vacation after Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the Copa América earlier this month.
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