Manuel Ugarte has been left out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the team's opening match of the 2024-25 campaign against Le Havre on Friday night.
The 23-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with Manchester United believed to have identified him as their leading midfield target this summer.
On Thursday evening, a report claimed that Man United had come to an agreement over a five-year deal for the Uruguay international, with the Red Devils closing in on a move.
Ugarte's absence from the PSG squad for their Ligue 1 opener will only fuel suggestions that the midfielder is close to leaving the French champions.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, PSG are expecting Ugarte to depart before the end of the transfer window, and the player is determined to make the move to Old Trafford.
Ugarte out of PSG squad for their Ligue 1 opener
Jacobs claims that Man United's last offer for Ugarte was around €45m (£38.3m), which is short of the Ligue 1 club's asking price, with the Paris giants believed to want in the region of €60m (£51.1m).
The Red Devils are allegedly not the only club speaking with PSG, but Ugarte has made it clear that his number one choice is Man United, as he is excited by the project at Old Trafford.
It is understood that a loan with an obligation to buy is possible, which would allow Man United to sign him without sanctioning a midfield exit, although Christian Eriksen is expected to leave.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added on Friday morning that a deal for the midfielder is 'absolutely on', but it will depend on whether PSG are willing to reduce their asking price.
Will Man United sign Ugarte this summer?
Man United, under their new management, will refuse to pay PSG's asking price for Ugarte if they do not believe that it represents value for money.
However, with the French champions seemingly keen to move Ugarte on, it is likely that a compromise will be reached in the not too distant future.
Personal terms have allegedly already being agreed, meaning that a deal could move quickly if Man United are able to come to an agreement with PSG over a fee.
The midfielder starred for Uruguay at this summer's Copa America and fits the profile of the type of midfielder that Man United are bidding to sign before the end of the transfer window.
Ugarte made 37 appearances during his debut season for PSG, having moved to the club from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2023. body check tags ::
