Man Utd draw up four-man midfield shortlist including target which could divide opinion amongst fans

 

United remain interested in Manuel Ugarte but are ‘doing work’ on other midfielders.

Manchester United remain interested in signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain but they are also ‘doing work’ on four other midfielders, according to a new report.

Last month, Ugarte emerged as United’s priority midfield target. In fact, a deal looked likely after United agreed personal terms with the Uruguayan midfielder, who was one of Europe’s most sought-after players last summer.

But doubts over a move have emerged, with United unwilling to match PSG’s hefty £51 million asking price.

It now appears that the Premier League side are looking elsewhere. Burnley midfielder Sander Berge emerged as a surprise target after club officials at Old Trafford made contact with his camp regarding a potential move.

Berge was one of Burnley’s standout performers in the Premier League last season, ranking among their statistical leaders in dribbles, touches and pressured pass accuracy.

It appears the decision to move on from Ugarte is part of a new transfer strategy put in place by minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, where United set valuations for each target and are unwilling to budge.

And in keeping with United’s approach to transfers this summer, they are ‘doing work’ on a number of other midfielders, according to Sky Sports.

Burnley’s Sander Berge is mentioned alongside Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who impressed for Spain at this summer’s European Championship.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is said to be another player of interest.

Having joined the club on a season-long loan deal last summer, the 27-year-old struggled to nail down a starting spot at Old Trafford, starting 15 out of the 30 appearances made.

However, he found his feet towards the end of last season and impressed in their FA Cup final over Manchester City.

 

Image credit: Getty
Image credit: Getty

United paid £8.5 million to take Amrabat on loan with an option to make the deal permanent for £21.4 million, but a final decision has yet to be made over his future.

Amrabat, meanwhile, wants to stay in the Premier League, according to Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade.

“I would keep him in Florence but it doesn’t seem like what he has in mind,” he said back in June. “I think he wants to stay in the Premier League but we haven’t heard from anyone yet since.”