Manchester United chiefs are doing their utmost to provide Erik ten Hag with added midfield depth before the window closes.
While negotiations are continuing between the Reds and other clubs, the latest developments regarding Scott McTominay may mean a midfield signing isn’t essential; he looks set to stay at Old Trafford despite being linked with a move away since the beginning of the summer, as his most likely suitor, Fulham, have ended their pursuit and turned their attention to United-linked Sander Berge instead.
In line with that, Casemiro had been expected to depart the club since the end of the 2023/2024 term, but a significant lack of interest means the Brazilian has now entered his third season as a Red.
Nonetheless, a deal for Manuel Ugarte remains a possibility between now and August 30. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is locked in talks with Paris Saint-Germain in hopes of hashing out an agreement which would see the Uruguayan depart to Manchester.
What’s now being discussed in United’s talks for Ugarte
Throughout their approach, United have stood firm in their unwillingness to meet PSG’s £51 million asking price, and, as such, a loan with an obligation proposal is now being ‘worked on’, per Fabrizio Romano.
The downside to such an arrangement is that if Ugarte struggles to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and oversees a relatively dismal campaign, United will still have to fork out a significant amount for him a year from now.