Man United cool interest in key midfield target due to asking price - report

Manchester United have abandoned the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils have been negotiating with PSG for the Uruguayan, who emerged as a key midfield target but could not agree a fee with the French champions.

PSG refused to budge on their valuation of Ugarte, which is believed to be around the €60million (£51.4m) they paid Sporting CP last summer.

United are unwilling to meet this price. The Red Devils have decided to focus their attention on alternative targets.

There remains a possibility of a return to the table should PSG lower their demands, but for now, the Reds have cooled their interest.

United want to avoid drawn-out transfer sagas and will only pay what they deem fair value for their targets.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a mixed debut season in Paris, winning the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions but struggling for regular starts and looking clumsy on both sides of the ball when given a chance.

Despite United’s withdrawal, interest in Ugarte is high, with several other clubs monitoring his situation.

If Man United decide to look at other targets to fill the defensive midfield position, then there are a few options in the market they could turn to.

Sporting CP maestro Morten Hjulmand has carried his impressive performances from Lecce into the Primeira Liga, filling the hole left by Ugarte.

Hjulmand is a tempo-setter adept at breaking up opposition attacks and efficiently recycling the ball. He is an excellent target.

Monaco midfield powerhouse Youssouf Fofana is another cost-effective option for the Reds. The France international will leave Les Monegasques this summer and could find the perfect landing spot at Old Trafford.

United have been linked with a move for Fofana and should consider returning to the table for his signature.

If United are looking for a more left-field option to fill the role, they could turn to rivals Chelsea, who are bloated in midfield.

The Blues have former Rennes star Lesley Ugochukwu languishing down the pecking order, and he could prove a wise addition to United’s ranks.

Ugochukwu can grow into a world-class midfielder under manager Erik ten Hag, but he finds Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo ahead of him. A loan with an option to buy could be a sensible deal for all parties.

However, United may opt to move for underwhelming options like Sofyan Amrabat or free agent Adrien Rabiot.