Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist of Manuel Ugarte alternatives

MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing alternatives if they miss out on top midfield target Manuel Ugarte.

Erik ten Hag is looking to replace Casemiro at the base of his engine room after the Brazilian's form slumped last season.

Paris Saint-Germain's Ugarte, 23, is at the top of his list and the French outfit are closing in on a deal for Benfica playmaker Joao Neves.

But transfer guru Duncan Castles says it is far from certain that United will get a deal over the line.

He told the Transfers Podcast that Old Trafford chiefs are still £8.5million short of PSG's £51m valuation.

And Castles claims there are four other midfielders on United's radar.

They are Martin Zubimendi, Joey Veerman, Adrian Rabiot and Sander Berge.

Zubimendi, 25, will be difficult to pry away from Real Sociedad, who could soon lose Mikel Merino to Arsenal.

PSV ace Veerman, 25,  had a strong summer with the Netherlands and shout suit Ten Hag's style.

Rabiot is currently a free agent but would expect to command a sizeable wage package.

While Berge is keen to leave Burnley, who need to offload players after dropping to the Championship.

United begin their season with an FA Cup final rematch against Manchester City on Saturday.

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And Ten Hag will be desperate to get a midfielder through the door after strengthening at forward and centre-back so far this window.

Injuries have already taken their toll after Victor Lindelof suffered a knock in pre-season action.

United have already lost striker Rasmus Hojlund for six weeks as Ten Hag plans to use Jadon Sancho as a false nine to replace him.

New signing Leny Yoro also picked up an injury during the US tour and will be sidelined for three months.