Man Utd can now sign Ugarte alternative for £29.5m, 7.2 recoveries/game last season - report

Manchester United are expected to continue their spending spree in the current transfer window and a new defensive midfielder could be their next priority.

AC Milan were close to signing Youssouf Fofana for €15 million (£12.6m) plus add-ons, but the scenario has changed with United and Atletico Madrid entering the scene.

According to Sky Sport Italy, the Ligue 1 outfit have increased their asking price to €35m (£29.5m) on the back of fresh interest in the France international.

It has recently been reported that United consider Fofana as an alternative to Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte, who could cost as much as £59m.

Ugarte would be a better acquisition than Fofana

Fofana has already agreed personal terms with Milan, but a transfer is complicated with Monaco holding out for a much higher fee for the 25-year-old.

This has opened the door for the Red Devils to sign him. Fofana can operate in both the central and defensive midfield positions. He won 4.7 duels per game last term with 7.2 recoveries and 1.9 tackles.

Despite his good defensive skills, the Frenchman had a passing accuracy of only 82 percent, losing possession on 14 occasions. In our view, Ugarte would be a much better acquisition than him.

Ugarte will cost double the price as Fofana, but the Uruguayan is a more all-round defensive midfielder. He had a pass completion rate of 91 percent last season, losing possession on 7.4 occasions.

He was also excellent with his defensive work, winning a stunning 6.4 duels and 3.9 tackles per game alongside 7.2 ball recoveries. United should focus on securing the 23-year-old’s signature.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com