Man Utd third transfer at risk of collapse after Jim Ratcliffe runs into '£35m problem'

Manchester United may see their interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte collapse due to complications with offloading Casemiro, according to reports. The Red Devils are said to have identified a new midfielder among their summer priorities but may need to clear space through further player sales.

Ugarte has emerged as a target ahead of his expected PSG departure just one year after joining in a £51million deal from Sporting Lisbon.

The 23-year-old suffered a difficult first season at the Parc des Princes and reportedly doesn’t feature in Luis Enrique’s plans going forward.

But Old Trafford may not be a potential destination if United fail to boost their transfer kitty to fund midfield reinforcements this summer.

According to CaughtOffside, Ugarte remains a key target for INEOS, but there is little room for movement in the current budget.

United will have splashed £88.5m once Lille centre-back Leny Yoro completes his switch, following Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival last Sunday.

In terms of outgoings, £46m will have gone back into the club once Mason Greenwood secures a permanent move to Marseille in the coming days.

Alvaro Fernandez, Donny Van de Beek and Willy Kambwala’s transfers to Benfica, Girona and Villarreal, respectively, have raised £19m so far.

But United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season has intensified restrictions imposed by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

And further sales look likely to be required before a third big-money recruit lands in M16 ahead of Erik ten Hag’s third season in charge.

The report adds that despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah, no suitors have met United’s £35m asking price for Casemiro.

The 32-year-old Brazilian’s representatives are said to be in regular contact with interested parties, primarily in Saudi Arabia, due to his eye-watering £350,000-a-week salary.

But there appears to be a serious risk of Casemiro remaining at Old Trafford beyond the summer, a significant blow to INEOS’ transfer plans.

United’s previous regime sanctioned a £70m deal to bring Casemiro from Real Madrid two years ago after Frenkie de Jong rejected a transfer.

He enjoyed a positive first season but suffered a startling decline last term, ultimately losing a starting spot in the FA Cup final to Sofyan Amrabat.

Casemiro’s exit was expected to facilitate a younger, more athletic arrival to partner 19-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.

However, any planned pursuit of Ugarte or an alternative option is in danger of imploding if he stays put.