Man United are keen on signing PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United are interested in Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but have yet to make a formal offer for the Uruguay international.

It’s understood that Ugarte is one of the options being considered by United to replace Casemiro if the Brazilian leaves Old Trafford for the Saudi Pro League.

Ugarte, 23, only joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon in a £51million deal last summer, but the French club will consider offers if they can recoup the majority of the transfer fee.

The player is said to be attracting interest from Italy, Germany and at least one other English club.

United have also been linked with West Ham’s Edson Alvarez, although the Mexico international suffered a serious hamstring injury in their Copa America opener against Jamaica last week.

A defensive midfielder is one of United’s priority positions this summer with new co-owners Ineos also keen to sign a centre-back to replace Raphael Varane and a striker to fill the gap left by Anthony Martial.

Of the forward options being considered, Joshua Zirkzee is the most advanced although United sources deny that they have met the £34m release clause in his contract at Bologna. Lille striker Jonathan David is another forward on United’s radar.

Meanwhile, United are playing a waiting game with Everton over Jarrad Branthwaite after having an opening bid of £43m rejected by the Merseyside club who value the defender at closer to £70m.