Man United make £97.8m transfer 'decision' as three Manuel Ugarte alternatives 'identified'

Manchester United have moved swiftly to identify more midfield transfer targets after making a huge Manuel Ugarte decision.

The Paris Saint-Germain star has been linked to an Old Trafford switch over the last few weeks, but United have since stopped pursuing his signature because his asking price has remained in the region of £51.6million (€60m), as per The Athletic. With PSG confirming the arrival of United target Joao Neves earlier this month, the chances of a move away for Ugarte increased, but if it does take place, it won't be United acquiring his signature. Erik ten Hag, though, remains intent on signing a new midfielder ahead of the 2024/25 campaign to join Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee as new arrivals.

Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Denzel Dumfries could all yet arrive in Manchester, alongside a new midfielder, with Ten Hag's side kicking off the new Premier League campaign next Friday against Fulham. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi was listed as one of the club's targets, but Liverpool are now the ones pushing for his signature.

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Arsenal, meanwhile, are admirers of his club teammate Mikel Merino, with United's three seemingly preferred targets not close to moves elsewhere. Atlanta's Ederson had been linked to Liverpool, but United are now the ones considering a move to sign the Brazil international.

The Italian club could also lose Teun Koopmeiners this summer, with Juventus interested in signing him and having thus set their asking price at £42.5million. Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco is another that could