Manchester United are doing their work on other midfield options, after talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Manuel Ugarte stalled.
HITC can confirm that Ugarte is still United’s first choice and lines of communication have remained open between the two clubs.
PSG are ready to allow Ugarte to move on as they have made their own big move this summer having signed Benfica starlet Joao Neves – also a player United admired.
Ugarte has made it clear to PSG he wants to move to Old Trafford and United want him, but in-turn the French giants have told the Uruguayan and the Red Devils that they want their money back having paid Sporting Lisbon €60million (£51million) for him last summer.
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Man United still want Manuel Ugarte but fee remains an issue
HITC is told that United do not believe that PSG’s demands are hugely excessive, but they have made it clear that they are limited due to the fact they have not be able to make any major sales in midfield this summer – especially Casemiro.
United have been in extensive talks with the Saudi Pro League over a deal for the former Real Madrid star, but as yet they are yet to get near a deal.
A deal to sell Scott McTominay to Fulham has also stalled, meaning their own budgets have some restrictions.
Whilst the talks with Ugarte remain ongoing and have included possible discussions over a loan deal, HITC can also confirm that the club’s new footballing department led by Dan Ashworth is working hard on other options.
HITC can also reveal that more than a dozen alternatives have been offered to United this week alone, but we understand that United are already looking and working on options they would look at aside from Ugarte.
Joao Gomes, Danilo and Morten Hjulmand all liked by United scouts
HITC understands that Brazilian internationals Joao Gomes and Danilo – both who have settled brilliantly into Premier League life with Wolves and Nottingham Forest respectively – are players who United’s scouting staff hugely appreciate.
Atalanta’s Ederson is also a player they know and like, but the club are not convinced he is even available given Atalanta are likely to sell Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus this summer.
French pair Youssouf Fofana and Manu Kone have been discussed internally and both have fans within the club, given they would both cost less than £30million.
Monaco’s Fofana has just 12-months left on his current deal, and is currently in talks with AC Milan about a move to the San Siro. Kone, who has been at the Olympics with France, is ready to leave Borussia Monchengladbach and they are ready to sell.
Colombian international Richard Rios and Burnley’s Sander Berge have also been offered to United by third parties hoping to take advantage of their need for a midfielder.
Sofyan Amrabat, who spent last season on-loan at United from Fiorentina, is also not being ruled out by United sources as a possible arrival again this summer having impressed towards the end of last season.
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