Man Utd discover cost of Ugarte transfer - and it's less than Chelsea had to pay

Manchester United will be offered a discount for PSG star Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The Red Devils have identified the Uruguayan midfielder as a prime target. Reports have suggested that Man United have already lodged a bid for Ugarte’s signature.

PSG turned down their initial offer but are open to selling the former Sporting Lisbon should the Red Devils up their bid. And it has now been revealed how much they would accept.

According to Mail Online, PSG will sell as long as they recoup the majority of the fee they spent on him. The French champions signed Ugarte for £51m last summer after activating a release clause in his deal.

Chelsea had also agreed to pay that fee and even offered him an eight-year contract. But the Blues pulled out after learning of PSG’s interest. The Red Devils will now pay less should they follow up on their initial interest.

The cheaper price would certainly benefit chiefs this summer, given their limited transfer budget. The Red Devils only have around £50m - enough for Ugarte - to spend this summer ahead of any potential sales.

Ugarte, 23, made 37 appearances in all competitions for PSG across his debut campaign. He has four years left to run on his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Ugarte was asked about his future at the end of last season. He confirmed that he was happy with life in the French capital but refused to rule out a move.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, the midfielder said: “We’ll see. I would love to [stay at PSG]. We’ll have to see. For now, I’m here and enjoying the end of the season.”

Ugarte was also asked about last summer’s decision and was claimed that Chelsea’s decision to pull out was best for him. Speaking in December, he said: "I am 100 per cent convinced that coming here [to PSG] was the best choice.

“PSG, for me, is something incredible. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I am here because before coming I did not imagine the scale of this club, its worldwide fame, its supporters… I am enjoying this incredible experience enormously while focusing on achieving our objectives.”

Away from the Uruguayan midfielder, the Red Devils have also identified other potential targets. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is also on a list of summer recruits.

Man United have already seen a £35m deal rejected for the centre-back. Everton want to receive closer to £70m for Branthwaite this summer.