Man Utd target speaks out: I’ve made my decisions clear and I know it’s the right thing to do
Manuel Ugarte and his agent are working overtime to ensure that the Uruguayan makes his move to Old Trafford before the summer transfer window closes. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided the latest on this file, which now has a sense of urgency.
Manchester United have been tracking Ugarte for several weeks, but ESPN’s Rob Dawson reports that the club aren’t willing to overspend on the 23-year-old midfielder.
However, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell also reported that agent Jorge Mendes is working on a deal that could see Ugarte join United from PSG, with a verbal offer possibly already in place.
Journalist Ben Jacobs adds that PSG expect Ugarte to depart this summer, with sporting advisor Luis Campos leading the negotiations for his potential exit. Ugarte is eager to join Manchester United, with their latest verbal offer reportedly reaching €45 million.
Romano reports that Ugarte is pushing “like crazy” to join Manchester United, with Mendes leading the negotiations. More talks are expected to take place in the coming days.
Manuel Ugarte is pushing “like crazy” to join Manchester United. Jorge Mendes is leading the talks, new contacts will take place in the next days. #MUFC [@FabrizioRomano, @WatchPlayback] pic.twitter.com/yu8rLQcDGA
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) August 16, 2024
The summer transfer window has reached its final stages, and Manchester United will need to decide soon if they can work out an agreement with PSG or make a last-ditch effort for another target.
Highlights
Manchester United eyes Atalanta’s Ederson for €60m, in constant talks. Liverpool also interested.
New Man Utd signings aim to boost team with quartet of stars, including Zirkzee and Yoro.
Frenkie De Jong eyed as alternative amidst efforts to land Dutchman despite high wages.
Manchester United are searching to sign a new midfielder before the summer transfer window closes for business and, according to AS, the Red Devils – alongside Aston Villa – are in ‘constant conversation’ with Brazil and Atalanta ace Ederson.
Finishing an otherwise dismal 2023/24 campaign with an FA Cup win against their local rivals saw Erik ten Hag keep his job in the dugout and, with the expertise of his new-look team, the ex-Ajax custodian has signed a quartet of new stars this summer.
Striker Joshua Zirkzee, right-back Noussair Mazraoui and central defender duo Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have all arrived through the doors of Old Trafford as the club – under new minority ownership – look to climb up the table.
Man Utd Eye Move for Atalanta Ace Ederson
Employers value him at €60m, they don’t want to sell
Atalanta midfielder Ederson celebrating
Ederson, on the back of his side’s Europa League-winning campaign in 2023/24, has caught the eye of many top European clubs this summer, including Liverpool, ahead of a potentially career-defining move.
The twice-capped Brazil international, 25, is also of concrete interest to Manchester United, with AS reporting that the 13-time Premier League champions are in ‘constant conversation’ with all relevant parties over a switch.
Recently, GIVEMESPORT sources also revealed that the Red Devils’ attentions had turned to the Atalanta midfielder following their collapsed move for Paris Saint-Germain outcast Manuel Ugarte.
Aston Villa, ahead of their Champions League venture, are also keen admirers of the former Corinthians star and, especially on the back of Douglas Luiz’s exit this summer, are keen to add more bodies to the centre of the park.
Per the report, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is, understandably, reluctant to let the midfielder out of his grasp this summer and, as a result, has slapped a price tag of £51.09 million (€60m) on his head. His performances last season have seen him described as “formidable” and “extraordinary” too, adding to his reputation.
It’s no surprise that he has piqued the interest of plenty of clubs across Europe, however, given that he was a revelation for Gasperini in the centre of the park last term, netting seven strikes and notching the solitary assists in 53 games.
Ederson vs Casemiro – 23/24 League Stats
Statistic
Ederson
Casemiro
Minutes
2,875
1,987
Goals
6
1
Assists
1
2
Pass success rate (%)
84.4
82.6
Tackles per game
2.3
3.3
Interceptions per game
1.1
0.7
Overall rating
6.92
6.97
Frenkie De Jong Eyed as Alternative Option
Man Utd will ‘spare no effort’ in pursuit of the Dutchman
Manchester United’s interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is no secret, having previously tried to sign the Dutchman in Ten Hag’s first summer in England. Their pursuit was to no avail, but reports have suggested that club chiefs are still keeping tabs on his situation.
According to SPORT, the Greater Manchester club will ‘spare no effort’ in their attempts to sign the former Ajax man, who played 59 times under Ten Hag’s watch in the Netherlands, in the final weeks of the trading period.
Erik ten Hag
Related
Manchester United have long been linked with Frenkie de Jong but there is nothing concrete in their advanced talks for the Netherlands star
His asking price is thought to not be a problem for the potential suitors, but what could be a stumbling block in the race for his signature is his weekly wages. De Jong, 27, is the highest-earning asset in Spain’s top tier with him pocketing £618,000-per-week.
Erik ten Hag is said to be keen on signing his very own version of Antonio Valencia.
Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to sign his very own version of Antonio Valencia
Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to sign his very own version of Antonio Valencia (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United are reportedly looking to bring the ‘next Antonio Valencia’ to Old Trafford by beating Liverpool and others to the signing of Piero Hincapie. The Red Devils have welcomed a host of new faces but Erik ten Hag is still keen on making further improvements to his squad.
United have already strengthened their ranks in defence by completing the signings of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt. They are now believed to be targeting a move for Hincapie, who is also thought to be admired by the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
According to El Comercio, United are ‘determined’ to win the race for Hincapie’s signature ahead of the other clubs in the frame to land him. It is said that United are trying to replicate what they achieved with Valencia, a fellow Ecuadorian who spent many successful years at the club.
Piero Hincapie is also thought to be admired by Liverpool as well as several other clubs
Piero Hincapie is also thought to be admired by Liverpool as well as several other clubs (Image: GETTY)
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Hincapie is widely thought of as one of Europe’s best young defenders and recently excelled for his country at the Copa America, where he featured in the team of the tournament. He usually operates at centre-back but is more than capable of filling in on the left side of the pitch when required.
It remains to be seen if Leverkusen will be prepared to consider offers for Hincapie in spite of the widespread interest in his services. He is under contract until the summer of 2027, meaning the German champions are under no pressure to sell him before the end of the window.
Xabi Alonso appears to be desperate to keep Hincapie, having reportedly approached him recently to ask him to stay. He made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Leverkusen to win the Bundesliga title and the German Cup, while they also reached the Europa League final.
There appears to be no shortage of clubs circling around Hincapie heading into the final weeks of the transfer window. Liverpool and Tottenham have been tipped to battle United in the race to snap him up, with Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also said to be considering bids of their own.
Liverpool have been linked with Hincapie for several years and reportedly saw an approach turned down by Leverkusen back in January. Tottenham, meanwhile, are said to have monitored the defender’s progress since being impressed by his displays for Ecuador at the last World Cup.
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