Man Utd decision gives Liverpool green light for Manuel Ugarte transfer as PSG agrees deal

Manchester United is reportedly shifting attention away from Manuel Ugarte due to Paris Saint-Germain's hefty price tag.

The Red Devils have already welcomed striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro this summer, and are now on the hunt for a new midfielder. Ugarte was high on their list, but United are now exploring other avenues, which opens the door for Liverpool amid reports Arne Slot has identified a mystery No.6 as his priority target.

United reckons PSG's asking price is too steep and they'll only re-engage in talks if the French club lowers their demands. PSG is eager to recover the $65 million (£51.4million) it shelled out to Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer, with several other clubs also showing interest in the midfielder.

They've also splashed the cash on a new midfielder, potentially signaling Ugarte's departure. 19-year-old Portuguese international Joao Neves has made the move to PSG from Benfica in a deal that could reach up to $76 million (£60m).

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Alan Varela release clause, Ederson move, Anthony Gordon latest
READ MORE: 9 Liverpool players who could leave as Jamie Carragher demands summer clearout

"I'm very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a very ambitious club," Neves expressed after penning a five-year contract. "I'm going to give my all to help my team-mates, to grow at this fantastic club and to win numerous titles.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi also praised Neves, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Joao Neves to the Paris Saint-Germain family. Joao is one of most talented players in Portugal and internationally.

"He was so passionate to join Paris Saint-Germain and determined to fight for the jersey - which is what we expect of all our players. We continue to build a fantastic young team at Paris Saint-Germain - based on teamwork, talent and collective spirit - which is the foundation of our club's great future."

Meanwhile, Manchester United is looking to add strength and depth in midfield after recording their lowest ever Premier League points tally last season. Scott McTominay continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Fulham are known admirers of the Scottish international, but Reds boss Erik ten Hag insisted last month that the club have no plans to sell the academy graduate.

"We have very good players so there will always be an interest from other clubs," Ten Hag explained. "When you score 10 goals in a season and also perform very good for Scotland, then there will be an interest.

""But we want to keep him because he is a very important player for our squad. What he can contribute, as we saw last season once we had our sixes available, he could play in a more advanced role and he is a highly interesting player for our team.".

Liverpool is also eyeing a new midfielder, with the top target reportedly coming from outside of the Premier League. Ugarte would fit that bill, and PSG's signing of Neves plus Manchester United's decision not to pursue a deal could give FSG the green light.