Manchester United could have a clear pathway to naming Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as the third signing of INEOS’ inaugural transfer window. PSG have reportedly agreed a deal for Benfica teenager Joao Neves, which will push Ugarte further down Luis Enrique’s pecking order and closer to the exit door.
United are thought to have named the 23-year-old their priority midfield target as Erik ten Hag eyes fresh blood alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
But PSG have reportedly been reluctant to offload Ugarte for less than £59million just one year after signing him from Sporting Lisbon in a £51m deal.
That stance could soon change or at least soften, though, with the Ligue 1 champions on the brink of securing an exciting midfield signing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have agreed a deal with Benfica for Neves worth a £50m fixed fee and £9m in add-ons.
As part of the agreement, Renato Sanches will return to Benfica, where he graduated from the club’s academy in 2014 before completing a £29.5m switch to Bayern Munich two years later.
The report claims that Neves will travel to Paris to undergo a medical this week before officially becoming a PSG player.
Only 19, Neves is widely considered one of Europe’s most talented young midfielders and has previously been linked with United.
But this summer, the Red Devils are eyeing a deal for Ugarte and have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international.
Neves’ arrival at the Parc des Princes could be a huge development in a move, with PSG potentially needing to balance the books for further incomings.
The prospect of even fewer opportunities than in his first year with the Parisiens could also prompt Ugarte to make a bigger push for a departure.
However, United may need to make another sale themselves to free up enough cash to fund a transfer amid financial limitations imposed by the Premier League‘s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
INEOS have overseen four senior exits so far this summer, raising just under £50m from Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek and Alvaro Fernandez.
Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are also in the shop window, though, and either of the three will be the key to a new midfield arrival in M16.
McTominay currently appears most likely to leave due to a lack of interest in Casemiro and Eriksen. Fulham and Galatasaray are among his suitors.
But even if United are made to wait to make their move for Ugarte, Neves’ transfer could contribute massively.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk