Manuel Ugarte to Man United transfer latest amid bid 'rejected', Chelsea move and PSG stance

Manuel Ugarte is the latest player Manchester United have shown interest in this summer.

Ugarte, 23, only signed for Paris Saint-Germain last summer, signing a five-year contract. But barely 12 months later, the Uruguay international is being linked with a move away from the French capital.

The MEN understands that United want a new midfielder during this transfer window after identifying it as one of three priority positions to strengthen, with the other being a central defender and a centre-forward. Here is a comprehensive round-up of all the latest reports and rumours about Ugarte potentially moving to Old Trafford.

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Opening bid 'rejected'

L'Equipe reported on Tuesday that PSG have turned down an offer from United. The exact figure remains unclear but is said to have been deemed insufficient by the Parisian club.

However, the reports state that negotiations did not end there and were not considered closed. An unnamed club from England, plus two Italian teams and one from Germany, are also credited with showing interest in the player.

Chelsea came close to signing Ugarte from Sporting last summer before being gazumped by PSG. The west London club subsequently signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion for more than double Ugarte's £52 million release clause.

United contact 'confirmed'

Hours after the initial reports from France, the Telegraph contested some of the claims made. They reported that United insist only exploratory discussions have happened while they consider whether to formalise their interest.

But, citing PSG sources, it is claimed that they turned down a bid well below the club's valuation. A gulf between what United are willing to offer and PSG's asking price is also apparent.

The report claimed that the expectation is that Ugarte will leave the Parc des Princes this summer after a stop-start first season. But the club anticipates at least breaking even a year after paying around £50 million for the player.

Ugarte's future admission

Ugarte addressed what the future holds last month before the Copa America, saying: "Next season still at PSG? I hope so; I'd love to stay here. We will see what's going to happen."

The player has a history of spending short stints at clubs. After arriving in Portugal at Famalicao from Fenix in January 2021, he signed for Sporting that summer after an impressive second half of the season.

Ugarte then only spent two years in Lisbon before moving to PSG. However, before that, he played at the Montevideo-based club Fenix for four years after making his professional debut before turning 15.