Man Utd want to sign Fofana instead of Ugarte

Manchester United are looking at multiple options to strengthen their midfield department.

The Red Devils have signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer, and they are now expected to focus on strengthening the midfield.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has already agreed terms with the Red Devils, but initial talks have highlighted a gap in valuation, according to Sky Sports.

They are looking at Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as an alternative and discussions are also ongoing about making Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal a permanent one.

Fofana would not be an upgrade on Casemiro

Fofana has been on the radar of Premier League clubs over the past year. Nottingham Forest wanted to sign him last summer, but he was not keen on the switch.

The 25-year-old is more than likely to leave this time around, considering he has no plans to renew his contract which expires at the end of next season.

Fofana has recently agreed terms with Serie A outfit AC Milan, but he won’t come on the cheap. Monaco want at least £30 million after turning down a fresh £25m bid from Forest.

However, the Frenchman would not be an upgrade on Casemiro for the Red Devils. The ex-Strasbourg man won two tackles and 4.7 duels per league game last season with 7.2 ball recoveries.

He had a passing accuracy of 82 percent and lost possession 14 times per outing. By contrast, Casemiro completed 83 percent of his passes, losing possession on 12 occasions.

Ugarte is likely to cost a premium fee, but he would be the best solution. He won 3.9 tackles, 6.4 duels per outing last term with 7.2 ball recoveries. He had a pass completion rate of 91 percent.

The Uruguay international was dispossessed less than 7.5 times on average. It is quite clear that Ugarte would be the ideal acquisition for manager Erik ten Hag ahead of next season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.