According to rumors in France, Manuel Ugarte has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he intends to sign for Manchester United this summer.
After completing a €42.5 million (£36.5 million) deal for Joshua Zirkzee last week, United secured two new acquisitions this month when they agreed to a £52 million agreement with Lille for 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro on Thursday.
Ugarte has emerged as United’s primary target as they look to bolster Erik ten Hag‘s team with the addition of a new central midfield player.
It is believed that United and the Uruguayan international have reached a personal agreement. Despite the lack of Champions League football, the international wants to transfer to Old Trafford.
Reports this week have claimed that PSG are holding out for a €70 million (£58.9m) fee for Ugarte, while United are unable to meet that figure until they offload more players.
However, FootMercato reports that an agreement between PSG and United is now ‘close’.
The report adds that Ugarte has also ‘warned’ PSG that United is his first-choice destination and has ruled out a move to another club.
Ugarte was signed by PSG from Portuguese side Sporting last year in a deal worth €60 million (£51.1m).
The 23-year-old 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 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 Uruguay reached the semi final of the Copa America earlier this month.