Manchester United are edging closer to signing their top midfield target, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have made four additions to the first-team squad this summer and they are eyeing a fifth before the transfer deadline.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is the priority target and Romano reports that the club could sign him pretty soon.
With Scott McTominay reportedly on his way to Napoli, United are prepared to proceed with a permanent transfer for the 23-year-old.
The Uruguayan has been waiting for United for some time and he is ready to travel to Manchester once a formal agreement is reached.
Romano posted on X: “Manchester United are set to close Manuel Ugarte deal and it can be now permanent transfer.
“If all goes to plan with Scott McTominay to Napoli, Man United will proceed with permanent move for Ugarte as PSG wanted.
“Ugarte ONLY wants United, he’s ready to travel.”
United were recently locked in negotiations with Napoli over McTominay and they have eventually found an agreement over the fee.
The Red Devils graduate will join the Naples outfit for £25 million. The financial boost should encourage the club to speed up talks for Ugarte.
PSG have been adamant over their £51m valuation for Ugarte. United could now be willing to pay the price with McTominay’s departure.
Ugarte should be an upgrade on McTominay and Casemiro. The midfielder won 3.9 tackles and 6.4 duels per game last term with 7.2 recoveries.
Casemiro has similar defensive strengths, but Ugarte’s distribution and ball retention would make him a guaranteed starter over the Brazilian.
The ex-Sporting CP man completed 91% percent of his passes for PSG in Ligue 1 last term, losing possession on only 7.4 occasions per game.
His statistics are much better than Casemiro, who completed only 83% of his passes in the league, losing possession on 12 occasions per appearance.
Stats from Sofascore.com
