Manchester United need to sell players before sealing £51 million-rated transfer - Reports

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United need to sell players in a bid to sign their top target, Manuel Ugarte. The Red Devils have already brought in youngsters like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer but are looking for more signings.

Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on bolstering his defensive midfield options and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s Ugarte is the club's first choice. Ugarte is also reportedly keen on the move and has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.

However, PSG, having bought Ugarte last summer from Sporting CP, remain firm in their asking price of £51 million. Romano has claimed that Manchester United need to offload a few players to conclude a deal for the Uruguayan.

Journalist Duncan Castles, meanwhile, has claimed that United are open to spending £43 million for Ugarte. PSG, though, are sticking to their guns and would only sanction a sale if their asking price is matched.

Ten Hag's team struggled from a lack of defensive solidity last season. Casemiro looked like he was on borrowed time in English football. Hence, bolstering the position has become one of the team's priorities and Ugarte, 23, could be a smart signing.

That said, negotiations with the Parisian club have barely progressed. David Ornstein, meanwhile, has reported that United are also exploring other options in the market.

Ugarte played 37 games in his first season at PSG, registering three assists. He has also made 21 appearances for Uruguay's national team. Last season, before his PSG transfer, Ugarte was heavily linked to Chelsea.

He joined the Ligue 1 giants instead, but United's interest this summer means he might finally be heading to English football. That said, recent reports suggest that the deal has hit a standstill and a drastic development is needed for it to come to fruition.

Manchester United have 9 midfielders on their radar if Manuel Ugarte transfer falls apart: Reports

According to HITC, Manchester United are in the market to find the perfect midfield partner for the prodigious Kobbie Mainoo. They have nine players on their radar, including bringing back Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.

Nottingham Forest's Danilo, Wolves' Joao Gomes, Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand, AS Monaco's Youssouf Fofana, and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone are among the other options internally discussed by Manchester United.

Burnley's Sander Berge, Atalanta's Ederson and Palmeiras' Richard Rios are also present in the long list of players. Yet, Ugarte remains the first choice for Erik ten Hag at the moment.