Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as INEOS’ rapid start to the summer transfer window continues, according to reports. The Red Devils are said to have progressed their pursuit of Ugarte during talks with Jorge Mendes over another of his clients, Leny Yoro.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in making an early statement in the first transfer window since he became co-owner and INEOS inherited control over football operations in February.
In the last five days, United have confirmed the £36.5million signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and the £52m capture of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.
Supporters have clamoured onto social media to express their delight and welcome surprise with the club’s newfound efficiency and speed.
INEOS’ involvement follows over a decade of financial mismanagement and baffling recruitment strategy under the control of the Glazer family.
But Ratcliffe prioritised forming United’s new-look hierarchy, which was completed on July 13 when Omar Berrada started working as chief executive.
He joins new sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of global talent Christopher Vivell.
And United are already accelerating their efforts to bring a third player to Old Trafford ahead of Erik ten Hag‘s third season in charge.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the M16 giants have agreed personal terms with Ugarte, who shares the same superagent as Yoro.
Mendes has a long-term relationship with United after orchestrating transfers for multiple of his past and present clients, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
The report adds that Ugarte is keen to leave PSG for United even though there is no Champions League football on offer after last season’s eighth-place Premier League finish.
It’s claimed that discussions are ongoing between the two clubs over a fee and that the 23-year-old has rival suitors.
United may need to sanction another midfield sale before going ahead with plans to sign Ugarte after splashing £88.5m on their first two captures.
Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are all reportedly in the shop window and are the subjects of interest, but United’s valuations haven’t yet been met.
Mason Greenwood’s £27m move to Marseille has boosted the club’s transfer kitty following Alvaro Fernandez, Donny van de Beek and Willy Kambwala’s exits for a combined £19m.
But offloading Casemiro’s eye-watering £350,000-a-week wages or receiving Scott McTominay’s asking price – thought to be in the region of £40m – could be the key to unlocking a deal for Ugarte.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk