Manchester United have now made it two signings in a matter of days – and Erik ten Hag is now pushing for another new addition.
What a week this has been for Manchester United.
Sunday saw a new striker arrive as Joshua Zirkzee completed his move from Bologna after weeks of speculation.
The Dutchman has now been joined by defender Leny Yoro after United pulled off a hugely impressive deal for the Lille wonderkid.
United have invested in a defender and a striker with major potential, bolstering the spine of Erik ten Hag’s team.
A central midfielder could be next up but United will face competition for the top target in front of the back four.
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Napoli join race for Manuel Ugarte
Paris Saint-Germain ace Manuel Ugarte has become United’s prime target to join Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Casemiro’s disappointing campaign last season leaves United needing legs in midfield and defensive powerhouse Ugarte fits the bill.
PSG only signed Ugarte last summer, luring him over from Portuguese side Sporting.
However, Luis Enrique is already willing to cash in amid claims that he is now ready to sell Ugarte to United this summer.
Reports earlier in June suggested that United were pushing to finalise a deal for Ugarte with a compromise of around £43million hinted.
United are yet to strike a deal though, and that means other clubs have hope of landing Ugarte.
Corriere dello Sport claim that Napoli want Ugarte to be part of a deal involving Victor Osimhen heading to Paris.
PSG want Osimhen to replace Kylian Mbappe and are willing to send the likes of Carlos Soler and Nordi Mukiele to Napoli.
Antonio Conte’s men are more interested in Kang-in Lee and Ugarte, seemingly looking for them to be included in an Osimhen deal instead.
The report does claim that Ugarte ‘seems to be promised to United’, suggesting that Napoli face an uphill battle to win the race for Ugarte.
Still, until a deal is done, there is a chance that United miss out – but the recent noises are encouraging.
Ugarte wants Manchester United move
Reports suggest that Ugarte has now agreed personal terms with United ahead of a potential move.
Ugarte is understood to be ‘keen’ on the move to Old Trafford despite no Champions League football on offer.
United must now negotiate the terms with PSG though and United’s budget isn’t exactly flush right now after signing Zirkzee and Yoro.
That is why one report has claimed that United may actually need to negotiate a loan deal for Ugarte rather than signing him permanently.
Much will depend on how strongly PSG feel about recouping their outlay on Ugarte, but it’s clear that he is United’s top target in midfield – and reports of Napoli’s interest may just accelerate United’s push to get a deal done quickly.