Manchester United continue to chase new signings after finalising a deal to bring in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday afternoon.
Erik ten Hag and co have lift-off in the summer transfer market.
Fans have been waiting patiently for a first summer addition and it arrived just hours before the Euro 2024 final.
Joshua Zirkzee completed his long-awaited move from Bologna, adding depth to Manchester United’s attacking options.
The Dutchman is a much-needed addition in order to help Rasmus Hojlund up top, but United need more signings this summer.
Centre backs appear to be the focus with progress seemingly being made on a deal for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
United have also been chasing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United latest
United need to look elsewhere as well though with at least one midfielder surely a priority.
Sofyan Amrabat was only on loan last season and it’s unclear whether he really did enough to earn a permanent move.
A combative, mobile defensive midfielder would be ideal for this United side and a key target has emerged.
Reports suggest that United have been ‘pushing’ to secure a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
A £43million compromise was suggested as United had suggested paying £35million for Ugarte, whereas PSG wanted £51million.
There has been little progress on a deal though and The Guardian claim that a loan deal may actually be an option.
Their report claims that United may first need to sell Casemiro before being able to strike a cash deal for Ugarte.
A loan with obligation to buy may be somewhat appealing to all parties, giving United some time to offload players and raise funds for an eventual permanent move.
Casemiro is earning huge money at United but, after a disappointing second season at Old Trafford, he may be available this summer.
Bringing in a younger alternative in Ugarte is just what United need alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, but money is tight this summer.
United can’t just go and sign Zirkzee, Yoro, De Ligt and Ugarte unless some departures take place to help balance the books.
Ineos may hope to get all of those deals done over the course of the summer, but it’s a case of being patient for now.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Casemiro has Saudi interest
The problem with trying to flog Casemiro is that his wages will price out many clubs and it’s unclear whether he wants to drop to a perceivably ‘lower level’.
This is a five-time Champion League winner we’re talking about here; Casemiro was a superstar with Real Madrid but appears to be losing his elite-level powers.
Now 32, Casemiro isn’t quite as appealing as he once was on the transfer market.
Still, reports indicate that there is major interest in Saudi Arabia – one of few markets where Casemiro can still earn big money.
A transfer fee may not be huge but offloading Casemiro’s wages will be key.
Just last week, it was suggested that Casemiro has yet to green-light a move to Saudi Arabia, meaning an exit doesn’t look imminent.
Add in that Casemiro featured for United against Rosenborg on Monday and a transfer seemingly isn’t in the pipeline as things stand.
That leaves the Ugarte deal stalling; not the ideal situation for United or Ineos with the new Premier League season just a month away.