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Manuel Ugarte has been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad to play Le Havre this weekend amid speculation he is close to a deal to join Manchester United.
This is according to reporter Ben Jacobs, who also claims that United “are not the only club talking to PSG” about the player.
Jacobs wrote on X:
“Ugarte left out of PSG’s squad for their Ligue 1 opener at Le Havre.
“PSG expect Ugarte to leave, and Luis Campos is leading negotiations.
“Ugarte wants Manchester United, who are still working on a deal. #MUFC’s last verbal bid was for around €45m. But they are not the only club talking to PSG.
“PSG want a permanent exit although are flexible on structure. Loan with obligation also possible. Straight loan less likely.”
Manuel Ugarte left out of PSG’s squad for their Ligue 1 opener at Le Havre.
PSG expect Ugarte to leave, and Luis Campos is leading negotiations.
Ugarte wants Manchester United, who are still working on a deal. #MUFC’s last verbal bid was for around €45m. But they are not the… pic.twitter.com/n4ZxDRVxEY
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 16, 2024
There is quite a lot to unpack in this important update.
First, United’s verbal bid of €45 million is a healthy one, with the Parisians expected to eventually soften their stance on their €60 million demand.
The second positive is that PSG are “flexible on the structure” of the deal. This suggests that United could breach the gap using add-ons and incentives, and also potentially that they could spread payments out over a number of years, as they have done with all other transfers they have completed so far this summer.
Third, this is the first real mention that there are other clubs pursuing the Uruguayan.
That complicates matters somewhat, although as Jacobs notes, the player seems to have his heart set on an Old Trafford switch.
His removal from the squad certainly does suggest that PSG are anticipating a sale, which corroborates a report from earlier today from The Athletic.
Activity around Ugarte is certainly hotting up and United fans can be optimistic that Ineos are slowly closing in on their number one midfield target.
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