United fans advised to not read into recent speculation with one deal not as ‘close’ as they’ve been led to believe

While Manchester United are rumoured to be at the final stages in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, it’s a deal that may come down to the final hours of Friday’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, the Red Devils are closing in on Ugarte’s signature after a lengthy period of negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain.

United agreed personal terms with the Uruguayan back in July, but PSG’s excessive demands resulted in the clubs hitting a roadblock in talks, with the Parisians unwilling to take a hit on the £51 million they forked out for him a year ago – despite Luis Enrique using the player sporadically in 2023/2024.

Keen to offload him before the window closes, Enrique omitted Ugarte from his squad for PSG’s opening two fixtures of the campaign, instead benefitting from the seamless integration of recruit Joao Neves, who notched two assists in each of the matches.

Additionally, outgoings were also essential from United’s side. They’ve sanctioned the exits of first-teamers Donny van de Beek, Willy Kambwala, Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Scott McTominay has been tipped to complete an imminent move to Napoli after the Reds accepted their €30 million proposal.

Read more: United tipped to do business with Bayern again as Kompany considers late swoop for wantaway who’s hot in demand

PSG and United yet to hash out final details of Ugarte switch

Such news quickly led to speculation that the Scotsman’s sale would almost instantaneously facilitate Ugarte’s arrival, but the Old Trafford faithful have now been advised to take some reports with a pinch of salt, as the prospective transfer isn’t as far along as they’ve been led to believe.

Football Transfers claims: “An unnamed source has told us that the transfer is ‘definitely not close’ and is expected to drag on until Transfer Deadline Day, 30 August.

“The likelihood remains strong that Ugarte will be a Man United player before the window closes, but there are still a few obstacles to iron out before any deal is sealed.”