Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly rejected an opening offer from Manchester United for Manuel Ugarte – with the French champions looking for a fee of around £51million.
United’s interest in the Uruguay international emerged this week with the club eager to bring in a new holding midfielder with Casemiro expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Ugarte turned down a move to Chelsea last summer to sign for PSG in a deal worth just over £50m.
While he started the 2023-24 season as a regular under Luis Enrique, he lost his place in the side in the second half of the campaign.
PSG are now thought to be open to offers for the midfielder with United making their first move.
Sources at the French champions claim United’s opening offer has been turned down, falling ‘significantly below’ their valuation, the Daily Telegraph report.
While United claim only ‘exploratory talks’ have taken place at this time, PSG are determined to recoup the £51m fee they paid Sporting Lisbon for his services last year.
It remains to be seen whether United are willing to meet those demands. In any case, however, Ugarte is expected to leave Parc de Princes this summer.
United’s transfer budget is thought to be set at a very modest £35m this summer with the club working to raise further funds through player sales.
The club have already seen an opening offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite rejected. The offer, thought to be £35m plus £8m in add-ons, was swiftly rejected by the Merseyside club with Everton valuing their prized asset at £70m.
Branthwaite is said to have already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford but United have so far had no luck in persuading his club to drop their huge asking price.
United are in no rush to make an improved offer for the 21-year-old and are prepared to walk away from talks unless Everton are willing to negotiate.
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