Transfer expert confirms ‘dream’ Man United signing after £60m deal as Forest alternative emerges

Transfer expert confirms ‘dream’ Man United signing after £60m deal as Forest alternative emerges

This summer, Manuel Ugarte is still Manchester United’s “dream” midfield target, but a Nottingham Forest star has surfaced as a potential replacement, according to a source.

Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro from Bologna and Lille, respectively, cost United around £90 million at signing.

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who are expected to cost around £60 million each, are United’s third and fourth acquisitions.

It is anticipated that the Red Devils will now focus on the midfield and finding Kobbie Mainoo a new partner, who is an academy star.

At the beginning of the transfer window, Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain was United’s top target; however, due to the Ligue 1 team’s £51 million asking price, United withdrew from negotiations and looked at other options.

Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Burnley’s Sander Berge have been among the many, many names linked, with Berge very keen on a move to Old Trafford, while Fofana reportedly only has eyes for AC Milan having agreed personal terms with the Serie A giants.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that after completing the deal for De Ligt and Mazraoui United will continue to be busy in the transfer market, with midfield a priority.

And although the Red Devils have held talks over alternatives, Romano confirms that Ugarte remains their “dream target” this summer.

Romano said: “Yes, there will be movement, for sure, Manchester United are not done. These two signings [Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui] were really important, especially after the injuries they suffered already in these first weeks of the new season.

“Then also the conditions of Malacia and Luke Shaw, who are often injured. So this is why Manchester United decided to go very strong as soon as possible on these two signings, but they will continue.

“Something in the midfield is also expected. The top target, the dream target, remains, Manuel Ugarte, who is considered perfect internally. But here the main issue is the price.”

United will have to sell players in order to fund the move for Ugarte and are said to be willing to listen to offers for a number of their first-team stars after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £15m move to West Ham was confirmed.

If they can’t find buyers for the deadwood they will be forced to consider other options and while Sofyan Amrabat could return after his loan spell last season, GIVEMESPORT claim United are also looking at Forest star Danilo.

The report claims the Brazilian’s profile is ‘hugely appreciated’ by the United scouts.

Danilo moved to Forest for £17m from Palmeiras in January 2023 and has made 49 appearances, scoring six goals and laying on four assists