Manchester United might have a straightforward path to signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as their third acquisition under INEOS’ first transfer window. PSG have reportedly reached an agreement for Benfica’s teenage talent Joao Neves, which could demote Ugarte in Luis Enrique’s selection order and edge him closer to departure.
United have reportedly identified the 23-year-old Ugarte as their primary midfield target, with Erik ten Hag looking to add new talent alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
However, PSG have been reluctant to sell Ugarte for less than £59 million, just a year after purchasing him from Sporting Lisbon for £51 million.
This stance might change or become more flexible with the Ligue 1 champions close to securing an impressive midfield signing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have agreed to a £50 million fixed fee deal with Benfica for Neves, with an additional £9 million in add-ons.
As part of the deal, Renato Sanches will return to Benfica, where he graduated from the academy in 2014 before transferring to Bayern Munich for £29.5 million two years later.
The report indicates that Neves will travel to Paris for a medical this week before officially joining PSG.
At only 19, Neves is considered one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders and has previously been linked with United.
