€60m star left out of squad for season opener as Manchester United work on fifth summer signing

Manuel Ugarte has been left out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for their Ligue 1 season opener against Le Havre on Friday night.

Manchester United and PSG both kickstart their respective league campaigns this evening, and could soon be doing business in the summer transfer window.

United are prioritising the addition of a new central midfielder in the final two weeks of the summer window, with Ugarte still their top target in the position. Erik ten Hag’s side had gone cold on a deal amid PSG's refusal to budge on their €60 million valuation, but there is now a growing belief an agreement could be reached.

Following the signing of Joao Neves from Benfica, manager Luis Enrique has made it clear the Uruguay international is not part of his plans going forward. It means PSG are under increased pressure to sell Ugarte, though they want to recoup as much of the €60m they spent on signing him a year ago.

United are adamant they will not pay any unrealistic transfer fees this summer and are hopeful they can reach an agreement with PSG that will either see them pay a lower initial fee, or sign the midfielder on loan with a future option to buy him.

Burnley ace Sander Berge and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi are both also of interest to United in the final fortnight of the transfer window, but agreeing a deal for Ugarte remains their priority.