Man Utd 'agree Manuel Ugarte fee with PSG' as transfer closer than ever

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a fee with PSG to bring Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford. The Uruguayan midfielder has been in extensive talks over a move, with the two clubs previously unable to settle on a fee.

In the meantime, the 23-year-old has been exiled from the first team, and was left out of the squad for PSG’s Ligue 1 opener at Le Harve on Friday.

But with the summer transfer deadline of August 30 approaching, the two clubs now appear to have made a breakthrough with their negotiations.

According to Le Parisian, United have agreed to pay £51million for the 23-year-old. Initially, the French champions were said to want a fee in the region of £60m, leading to speculation INEOS would instead push for a loan move with an obligation to buy.

There are still said to be parts of the deal that need to be finalised, making it unlikely that Ugarte will arrive in Manchester in time for the trip to Brighton this Saturday. But all parties are now seemingly confident that the transfer will be completed with both sides content on the £51m price.

Ugarte would represent United’s fifth signing of a summer that has seen Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co make a definitive move to overhaul the squad. Defenders Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro have all arrived for a combined £104m total.

Striker Joshua Zirkzee has also joined in a £36m deal. And the extra Bologna man immediately made an impact in the club’s Premier League opener on Friday, scoring a late winner in the 1-0 victory over Fulham.

But the pursuit of Ugarte has signified Erik ten Hag’s desire to also strengthen in midfield. And joining United could also mean a new lease of life for the player after losing his way in Paris last season.

Ugarte initially started well after his £50million move from Sporting CP in the summer of 2023. However, his form dropped, and despite playing his part in a domestic treble he found himself a bit part role under Luis Enrique.

However, Ugarte did impress for his country at the Copa America this summer. And amid profit and sustainability regulations, his seemingly imminent transfer is likely to mean more player sales at United before the window closes.

Scott McTominay has been linked with Napoli, with Fulham also said to be preparing a bid. Fellow midfielder Casemiro meanwhile, continues to be touted to move to Saudi Arabia.