Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag called for 'patience' after being asked whether the club were closing in on the signature of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the Uruguay international in recent weeks, and it is believed that a breakthrough has now arrived, with Ugarte thought to be nearing a move to Old Trafford.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 20-time English champions are 'now close' to securing a deal for the midfielder, who could arrive at the club on loan with an obligation to buy.
Discussions are now allegedly 'at their final stages', with a deal set to be confirmed before the summer transfer window closes at the end of next week.
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Man United are 'closing in' on Ugarte move
Ten Hag was asked for an update on the situation during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with top-of-the-table Brighton & Hove Albion.
"When we have news, we let you know. Just be patient, sit, wait. We're working of course very hard, and we will always try to make the best squad possible," Ten Hag told reporters. "We have a couple of days and we will always improve, as long as we have the opportunity we will look for it."
Man United have already boosted their squad with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui this summer, and the Dutchman said that he is "very pleased" with the club's business.
"Yes, very pleased. They're showing we're going in the right direction, we know as a club we have to catch up but it shows our ambition, the way we want to go, we have done good business, very good players, quality players who will add, contribute to our squad," added the head coach.
Journalist Ben Jacobs, meanwhile, has said that the two clubs are 'in advanced talks', but it remains to be seen whether PSG have stuck to their £51m asking price for the midfielder.
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When could Ugarte make his Man United debut?
Ugarte could be in line to make his Man United debut against Liverpool on September 1, so it might be some introduction to English football for the 23-year-old.
The midfielder's fitness would need to be assessed, though, and there is a chance that he might be held back until the trip to Southampton after the September international break.
Ugarte was left out of the PSG squad for their opening match of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign, but he was involved for Uruguay over the summer at the Copa America.
Matt Law
