‘Working on both’: Romano has just dropped a fresh United update that just highlights INEOS’ intent

Manchester United fans have been taken aback at the intent INEOS have shown on the market since the window opened last month.

Of course, the club are yet to welcome their first arrival through the doors at Old Trafford, and we’re still yet to see if they can negotiate transfer fees that exclude any form of ‘United tax’, but it’s evident that senior chiefs have been putting the wheels in motion in negotiations with the agents of numerous players.

For example, United saw an opening offer for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected on the opening day of the window after reports revealed they’d already agreed personal terms with the player.

Joshua Zirkzee is also thought to be high on INEOS’ shortlist. A new striker is essential this summer following Anthony Martial’s release, and a deal for the Bologna frontman may be easier to facilitate given that he has a release clause of £34 million embedded into his contract.

Today, Fabrizio Romano has shared his understanding of United’s current pursuits, which include both Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt.

Read more: Rasmus Hojlund has just given his verdict on United’s ‘top priority’ target after being cheekily put on spot

What Romano has told United fans

He told Ben Jacobs on the DeBrief podcast with CaughtOffside: “At the moment, Man United are working on both. So centre-back, for sure, is one of the priorities. And so I think it’s the most imminent story for Manchester United.

“They want to bring in a new centre-back. Matthijs De Ligt is on the list for sure. Man United already, around Friday, [and] Saturday, made contact with the agents of the player to understand also whether the player was keen to maybe leave Champions League football for the upcoming season, but accept Manchester United’s project.

“What I’m hearing is that Matthijs De Ligt is absolutely keen on this possibility, also knowing the manager [is] something important for him to accept Manchester United.”

Regarding the Reds’ interest in Ugarte, he added: “And then Ugarte, for the midfield, is a player who could really leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer. PSG are prepared to give the green light in case they receive a good permanent deal proposal. And what I’m hearing is that also Ugarte would be keen on joining Manchester United.”