Man United 'discussing' shock Manuel Ugarte transfer alternative amid 'clear' Branthwaite stance

Manchester United are attempting to progress a prospective deal with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Manuel Ugarte, but also have multiple back-up options.

The former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who officially became a free agent last month, is one of those. Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is another.

Sofyan Amrabat is also under consideration by the club after spending last season at United on loan from Fiorentina. The option to buy the Morocco international in that deal has expired, but a new agreement could still materialise. Those are seemingly the main four, but another player is said to be the subject of discussion.

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Duncan Castles has claimed on The Transfers Podcast that United are reportedly discussing Sander Berge as an alternative to Ugarte. "Another individual who I don't think has been mentioned at all as a candidate for Manchester United, but who I'm told they are discussing as an option should the Ugarte deal not go through is Norway international Sander Berge," Castles said.

MEN Sport says: Berge was first linked with United in January 2020 but ultimately signed for Sheffield United that month. The Blades paid £22m at the time and sold him to Burnley for almost half that 12 months ago, who now want £20m for the midfielder. While it would be considerably cheaper than signing Ugarte, Rabiot and arguably even Amrabat are better options on the cheap.

Sean Dyche has rubbished the suggestion that Everton have signed Jake O'Brien as a replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite. "It's nothing to do with that. It's just to