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Manchester United will be eager to get back to their best next season after a topsy-turvy 2023-24 campaign. Erik ten Hag is likely to invest in the squad to get his team up and running next season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Elsewhere, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 25, 2024:
Manchester United eyeing Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United have turned their attention to Manuel Ugarte, according to Sky Sports. The Uruguayan midfielder joined Paris Saint-Germain from Sporting last summer and enjoyed a decent season.
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Ugarte registered 37 appearances across competitions for the Ligue 1 champions, setting up three goals. The Red Devils are in the market for a new midfielder, with Casemiro's future hanging in the balance.
The Brazilian midfielder was a shadow of his former self in the recently concluded campaign and is likely to be offloaded this year. The 32-year-old has admirers in the Middle East, and Erik ten Hag is now preparing for his eventual departure.
Ugarte has been identified as a candidate to fill Casemiro's boots. The 23-year-old is not indispensable to Luis Enrique's plans and could be allowed to leave for a fair price. The Uruguayan's contract with PSG expires in 2028.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants Old Trafford move, says Fabrizio Romano
Jarrad Branthwaite is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer, says acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English defender has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following his exploits with Everton.
Branthwaite was an omnipresent figure in Sean Dyche's side in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 41 appearances across competitions, all of which were starts. Ten Hag is eyeing a replacement for Raphael Varane this summer and has identified the 21-year-old as his top target.
The Toffees apparently want £70 million for Branthwaite, which could pose a problem to the Dutchman's plans. However, should the Red Devils come calling, convincing Branthwaite to move apparently won't be a problem.
Speaking to PlayBack, Romano added that the Old Trafford hierarchy are planning to hold internal discussions for the 21-year-old in the coming weeks.
"This upcoming week, Manchester United internally will discuss again about what they want to do with Jarrad Branthwaite. The player keeps waiting for Manchester United. He keeps believing that Manchester United is a fantastic option for his future, so he wants to go to Manchester United," said Romano.
He continued:
"But it also depends on Everton, and we have to see if Everton will change the conditions of the deal, because for £70 million, United are not going for Branthwaite. So, it has to be something different in terms of package, and we will see what happens."
The Merseyside club are under financial distress, so Branthwaite could be sold this summer to address the issue.
Red Devils engaged in talks for Joshua Zirkzee, says journalist
Joshua Zirkzee is in talks regarding a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. Teg Hag allowed Anthony Martial to leave this summer and is now in the market for his replacement.
Zirkzee made a name for himself in the 2023-24 campaign with Bologna, scoring 12 goals and setting up seven in 37 outing across competitions. His efforts have convinced the Red Devils, who are reportedly ready to trigger his release clause.
Speaking recently, as cited by GIVEMESPORT, Sheth added that the Premier League giants are already engaged in talks with the player's entourage regarding a move.
"We understand that talks are ongoing with his representatives, between Manchester United and Zirkzee's representatives. One source has told me a potential deal is edging forward, but there is clearly a lot of work to do to get that deal over the line," said Sheth.
AC Milan and Arsenal are also in the race for the 23-year-old.
