Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to meet Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s £59 million asking price for midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The news comes at a time when L'Equipe claim that the player and the Red Devils have agreed terms, but the clubs are yet to decide a transfer fee.
With the four years left on the Uruguay international's deal at the Parc des Princes, it seems reasonable that the Parisians are quoting the aforementioned sum. With the Manchester outfit wishing to purchase the player for a lower fee, they are said to want to sign the player on loan with an option to buy.
Ugarte is considered a talented defensive midfielder, a position that Manchester United need to fill this summer. With Casemiro failing to live up to expectations, Erik ten Hag is looking for the perfect partner for emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.
The PSG star could be the perfect answer to this question, given he could serve as a long-term prospect as well. With Ugarte aged just 23, Manchester United could also tie him down to a fairly lengthy contract.
Last season, he started 21 of his 25 appearances for PSG in Ligue 1, bagging three assists. Although Manchester United are going through a bit of a rebuild, they are considered to be one of the biggest clubs in the world.
This seems to have satisfied Ugarte over a move to Old Trafford, although the club offers no UEFA Champions League football next season.
Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker urges Red Devils to sign Crystal Palace midfielder
Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has urged the Red Devils to sign Crystal Palace defensive midfielder Adam Wharton this summer. He even claims that the England international is better than Bruno Fernandes.
Wharton announced himself in the second half of the last Premier League season, making 16 appearances and bagging three assists for the Eagles. Parker told mybettingsites.co.uk about the youngster (via Metro):
"His range of passing is fantastic. He very rarely gives it away. He's always positive with his passing as well. Very, very positive. I think he's got a long range. His longer range of passing is good.
"Bruno is good, but I think he's better. He doesn't give the ball away as cheaply as Bruno."
Wharton only joined Crystal Palace in February this year and has a contract that runs until the summer of 2029 at Selhurst Park. He's expected to cost around £50 million.