‘Growing optimism’ United can welcome their priority midfield target before deadline day, says reputable journo

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are seemingly advancing in negotiations for Manuel Ugarte.

The two clubs have been locked in talks for a number of weeks now, with the Uruguayan actively pushing to get a deal over the line ever since he agreed personal terms with United in mid-July.

Yet, roadblocks have often been hit due to PSG’s excessive demands; they value Ugarte at £51.1 million, the same price they paid for him a year ago, despite him featuring sporadically under Luis Enrique in 2023/2024.

United have already welcomed four signings to their squad since the window began – three of which were targeted to bolster Erik ten Hag’s backline following an unprecedented injury crisis in 2023/2024. It’s thought that a dynamic midfielder is the missing piece of the puzzle.

As such, the Ligue 1 outfit have now put forth the prospect of United signing Ugarte on loan, but with an obligation-to-buy clause included in the terms of the deal, per The Telegraph. An option to buy is always the more appealing option in case the player proceeds to fall below expectations, so it depends on how desperate INEOS chiefs are.

Jason Burt’s report adds that there is ‘growing optimism’ that an agreement can be reached, even if it’s taken to the wire on deadline day.