Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of his intention to join Premiership club Manchester United this summer, according to reports from France.
The Red Devils have been active in the transfer market, securing the signings of Joshua Zirkzee for €42.5m (£36.5m) last week and a £52m deal with Lille for 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro on Thursday. Now, their focus has shifted to bolstering their midfield, with Ugarte identified as their primary target.
Man United have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford despite the absence of Champions League football.
Reports indicate that PSG are demanding a €70 million (£58.9m) fee for Ugarte, a sum Man United are reluctant to meet until they offload more players. However, FootMercato reports that an agreement between PSG and United is now close.
The report also states that Ugarte has written to PSG that Man United is his preferred destination and has ruled out moving to another club.
PSG signed Ugarte from Portuguese side Sporting last year in a deal worth €60 million (£51.1m). The 23-year-old made 27 starts in all competitions for PSG last season but was benched by Luis Enrique for both legs of their Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund.
In a May interview with Prime Video, when asked if he wanted to stay at PSG, Ugarte said, “I hope so, I’d love to stay here. We will see what’s going to happen.”
Ugarte is currently on holiday after Uruguay reached the semi-final of the Copa America earlier this month.
