Manchester United are stepping up their move for Manuel Ugarte (AFP via Getty)
Manchester United have told Paris Saint-Germain that they are not willing to meet their €70 million (£58.9m) asking price for Manuel Ugarte, according to reports in France.
United have been quick to complete two new signings this month as they followed up last week’s €42.5m (£36.5m) move for Joshua Zirkzee by securing a £52m deal for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro on Thursday.
United have now turned their focus to strengthening Erik ten Hag’s midfield options and have made the signing of Ugarte their next priority.
It’s understood that United have now agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football.
However, L’Equipe report that United and PSG are still far apart in negotiations over a fee for the 23-year-old.
PSG are demanding a €70m (£58.9m) fee for Manuel Ugarte (Getty)
It’s claimed that PSG are demanding a €70m (£58.9m) fee for Ugarte but United are unable to match that asking price without offloading players first.
United’s hierarchy are now considering offering PSG a loan deal which includes an option to buy Ugarte at the end of the season.
PSG signed Ugarte from Portuguese side Sporting last year in a deal worth €60 million (£51.1m) and are keen to recoup the fee they paid.
Ugarte started 27 games in all competitions for PSG last season but was left on the bench by Luis Enrique for both legs of their Champions League semi-final tie against Borussia Dortmund.
When asked if he wanted to stay at PSG during an interview with Prime Video in May, Ugarte said: ‘I hope so, I’d love to stay here. We will see what’s going to happen.’
Ugarte is currently on holiday after reaching the semi final of the Copa America with Uruguay this month.
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