Exclusive:Manchester United make progress in midfield transfer pursuit - three players could still leave

Manchester United remain hopeful of bringing in a midfielder before the transfer window closes next week and have made progress in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte.

Erik ten Hag’s side have wanted additional options in the middle of the park throughout the summer, having already strengthened at full-back, centre-back and attack. Despite a few setbacks in recent weeks, there is still a belief a midfield arrival can be sorted in the next 10 days, while a new left-back is also under consideration.

United have prioritised a move for Ugarte for several weeks and have agreed personal terms with the player, but Paris Saint-Germain’s reluctance to budge on their asking price has seen the move stall.

However, ManchesterWorld understands United are trying to push ahead with the deal and there is hope at Old Trafford his signing can be secured. Sofyan Amrabat, Martin Zubimendi and Youssouf Fofana were all targets for United earlier in the window, but a deal for Ugarte seems more likely at this late stage of the summer.

The 23-year-old was left out of the PSG squad for Friday’s season opener against Le Harve and is expected to depart the Ligue 1 champions following the summer arrival of Joao Neves.

The Uruguayan's arrival would inevitably mean at least one departure, and Fulham offer the solution with the signing of Scott McTominay. It is understood the London club are now willing to match United’s £30m asking price for the player, and a deal could be thrashed out in the coming days. The Scotland international came off the bench on Friday night as United began the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win, ironically against Fulham.

Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo started the game, while Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen were unused substitutes. The latter could also leave United before the transfer window shuts, with Ajax keen on resigning the player who departed the Amsterdam club 11 years ago.

Hannibal was left out of Friday’s squad altogether and is expected to depart United in the latter stages of the summer market. Rangers were keen on the Tunisian, but a move to Spain or France seems more likely at this moment in time.

Additional reporting from Rich Fay.