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Manchester United are “still in negotiations” with Paris-Saint Germain over a “permanent deal” for Manuel Ugarte, despite reports suggesting talks had stalled between the two clubs.

Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports) reveals Old Trafford officials continue to push to sign Ugarte and the Uruguayan midfielder “wants to join” the Red Devils this summer. Plettenberg also contends the 23-year-old’s representative, Jorge Mendes, wants to “make the deal happen” with the Portuguese super agent an influential figure within the elite circles of European football.

However, the Sky Sports journalist also indicates United are “exploring more options for central midfield” as PSG’s current valuation of Ugarte – believed to be in excess of £50 million – is deemed too expensive by club executives.

Tweet: “Been told that Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are still in negotiations to find an agreement about a permanent deal of Manuel #Ugarte!

Ugarte wants to join ManUtd. Top agent Jorge Mendes wants to make the deal happen with #MUFC… with ManUtd exploring more options for central midfield but Ugarte deal is not 100 % off at this stage.”

This week, as explained in greater detail by The Peoples Person here, United made contact with Burnley over a shock move for Sander Berge – the Norwegian midfield international. And while there are a number of attributes the 26-year-old possesses, combining excellent mobility and ball-carrying skills with an imposing 6’5 frame, he remains a surprise option for a position in desperate need of recruitment at Old Trafford.

United also continue to be linked with a return for Sofyan Amrabat after the Moroccan’s loan move in Manchester expired at the end of last season. The club chose not to activate the buy-clause in the deal with Fiorentina but reports suggest United may seek to strike a lower price in fresh negotiations.

However, given this update by Plettenberg reveals club executives are continuing to push for their first-choice option in Ugarte, these noises of moves for Berge and Amrabat appear like negotiating tactics.

While the interest in either player is likely to be real as last resort options, the fact United appear to be heading in that direction with over three weeks of the summer window remaining feels more like an attempt to strong arm PSG into compromising on their price tag for Ugarte.

Ineos, who gained full control over the football operation at Old Trafford earlier this year, are currently presiding over their first transfer window at the club. And the executives are having to negotiate with the mistakes of United’s past as much as with any of their European rivals this summer.

Under the Glazer’s control, United developed a reputation for being a laughing stock of a ‘big’ club. Negotiations with Ed Woodward and United were likely seen as a golden ticket for any team who entered them. It takes time and patience to improve this appalling position within footballing circles; and, crucially, a firm hand, willing to say no when the deal is deemed too expensive.

United under the incompetent watch of the Glazer family would likely have ceded to PSG’s £50 million price tag already; United with Ineos at the helm will continue to bide their time and seek to ensure the French club bows to their demands, rather than the other way round.

It’s a similar story for club’s pursuit of Bayern pair Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt. And while this approach can be frustrating from the outside looking in, it’s one which requires patience and deliberation to execute – two qualities transfer dealings at Old Trafford have been sorely lacking in the last decade.

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