Manchester United are reportedly expecting to close a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte in the near future, and the midfielder is set to arrive at Old Trafford on a permanent basis.
Ugarte has been Man United's leading transfer target this summer, but the negotiations with PSG have been difficult due to the French club seemingly being unwilling to drop their £51m asking price.
The midfielder has not been involved for PSG in the early stages of this season, though, and he is believed to have made it clear that he only wants to join the Red Devils despite interest from other clubs.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a move for the 23-year-old is now close to being completed.
There had been suggestions that Ugarte could move to Old Trafford on loan with an obligation to buy next summer, but Scott McTominay's imminent exit will allow the 20-time English champions to bring the South American to the club on a permanent basis in this window.
Ugarte 'on verge' of joining Man United as McTominay nears exit
Man United have allegedly agreed a fee of around £25.4m with Napoli for McTominay, with the Scotland international now close to leaving the club.
The Red Devils rejected at least one offer from Fulham for McTominay earlier this summer, with the club unwilling to sell him for under their valuation.
However, with Napoli seemingly agreeing to meet the £25.4m asking price, a deal is proceeding, with McTominay now set to enter into discussions with the Serie A outfit over personal terms.
The 27-year-old was used off the bench in Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, and Man United head coach Erik ten Hag said earlier this summer that he wants the Scot to stay at Old Trafford.
However, a permanent exit would count as pure profit under the Premier League's rules surrounding Profit and Sustainability, and as mentioned, it will allow them to secure a permanent deal for Ugarte.
When could Ugarte make his Man United debut?
In theory, if a move is completed in the first part of next week, then Ugarte could make his Man United debut in next weekend's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
However, it does seem more likely that his first outing will come against Southampton after the international break, with Ten Hag potentially being reluctant to throw him straight into action.
A spot on the bench against Liverpool cannot be ruled out, but it will depend on how the next couple of days progress, as a deal for McTominay also needs to be agreed.
Man United have already signed four players this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and Ugarte is expected to be their fifth and final signing of the current window. body check tags ::
