Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a loan switch for Jadon Sancho, which could see Manuel Ugarte move in the opposite direction to Old Trafford.
Ugarte is Man United's leading midfield target this summer, but negotiations have stalled in recent weeks due to PSG allegedly being unwilling to drop their asking price, which is around £50m.
However, PSG's interest in Sancho could unlock the door for Man United to bring in Ugarte.
According to The Independent, Sancho could join the French champions on loan with an obligation to buy, and there is a chance that Ugarte may move in the opposite direction.
The report claims that the England international is keen to make the move to Paris, while an exit would see Man United save in the region of £250,000 a week in wages, which would aid them enormously, as they bid to further improve their squad before the summer transfer window closes for business.
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PSG 'advancing on move' for Sancho
Sancho has managed to patch-up his relationship with Man United head coach Erik ten Hag, with the attacker involved in his team's preparations for the new season, and he also featured off the bench in their Community Shield contest with Manchester City on Saturday.
However, the former Manchester City youngster continues to be linked with an exit, and PSG are said to be determined to sign him before the window closes.
Sancho impressed against the French giants in the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, having returned on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January.
Dortmund were keen to re-sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis this summer, but the German giants could not come to an agreement with Man United over a transfer fee.
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Man United 'could sign' Ugarte in Sancho deal
Man United want a specialist holding midfielder this summer, and it is understood that Ugarte is viewed by the 20-time English champions as their leading target.
Whether a swap deal can be agreed remains to be seen, but Sancho moving to PSG would undoubtedly place Man United in a stronger position when it comes to bringing in the Uruguay international.
Ugarte only arrived in Paris from Sporting Lisbon last summer, and he made 37 appearances for the French giants during the 2023-24 campaign, but he is available for transfer during the current market.
Ten Hag's side have been active this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to boost their squad for the 2024-25 campaign.
Yoro is out until November with a fractured foot, but Zirkzee, De Ligt and Mazraoui are all in line to make their debuts for the 20-time English champions in Friday's Premier League clash with Fulham.