**United’s Pursuit of Manuel Ugarte**
Manchester United’s interest in Manuel Ugarte has been met with resistance from Paris Saint-Germain, who are holding out for a fee of around £51 million. The Uruguayan midfielder only joined PSG last summer in a deal worth just over £50 million, turning down a move to Chelsea in the process. Despite starting the season as a regular under Luis Enrique, Ugarte lost his place in the team in the latter part of the campaign, leading to speculation about his future at the club.
**PSG’s Stance and United’s Offer**
PSG are now reportedly open to offers for Ugarte, with Manchester United making their first move. However, sources at the French champions have revealed that United’s initial offer fell significantly below their valuation of the player. While United have described the talks as exploratory at this stage, PSG is adamant about recouping the £51 million they paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte’s services.
**United’s Transfer Budget and Pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite**
United’s transfer budget for this summer is believed to be a modest £35 million, prompting the club to seek additional funds through player sales. An opening offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was swiftly rejected by the Merseyside club, who value the player at £70 million. Despite Branthwaite reportedly agreeing to personal terms with United, negotiations have stalled due to the disparity in valuation between the two clubs.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will meet PSG’s demands for Manuel Ugarte or if they will continue their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite. The transfer market is always unpredictable, and clubs must navigate complex negotiations to secure their desired targets. As the summer transfer window progresses, fans can expect more twists and turns in the ongoing saga of player movements and club strategies.