French media claim Manchester United have tabled the offer for Manuel Ugarte amid Branthwaite’s latest claims

Manchester United, in stark contrast to previous years, flew out of the blocks from June to July.

Offers are progressing quickly for both Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt. Potential exits for Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek are closing in on pace.

And according to reports, Jarrad Branthwaite is not the only one subject to a new offer from Old Trafford.

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte

The Daily Mail write that Man United have returned with a new and improved offer for Jarrad Branthwaite – worth £45m and a further £5m in add-ons – to the Everton giants.

Another claim coming out of France just minutes later, meanwhile, says £38m has been dumped on Paris Saint Germain’s desk for Manuel Ugarte.

The tough Uruguayan has apparently become United’s first choice to take Casemiro’s place at number six in Erik ten Hag’s engine room.

According to Le10 Sport, Man United’s board – which contains new recruits Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox – are “very optimistic” that a deal can be reached to bring Ugarte to England.

United also believe a deal for the PSG agent is “close” and “well advanced”.

Now, speculation from other sources is not so positive. Christopher Michel – the man who broke the news that De Ligt had taken a pay cut to reunite with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag – insists PSG want to recoup all of the £51million they paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano told the United Stand earlier on Monday that the French champions have yet to receive an official offer, even though talks between Ugarte and the Red Devils have been positive so far.

Perhaps there was a development in the hours after that. All we know at this stage is that, for the first time in what seems like years, Man United are approaching the summer window with the kind of clear and coherent strategy that the fan base have long wanted; numerous irons residing in the same fireplace.

PSG are open to selling the Uruguay star

German giants Bayern Munich have also been linked with Ugarte. Vincent Kompany’s side look highly unlikely to make a move of their own at this stage, however, with a deal agreed to bring in long-term target Joao Palhinha from Fulham.

Whether Ugarte proves to be the solution to United’s defensive midfield woes remains to be seen.

The 24-year-old struggled in Paris but, at his best, is a terrific ball-winner and a smart, if rather confident, user of the ball.

iNews report that United believe Ugarte could be the ideal foil for Kobbie Mainoo, providing a stable platform for the Carrington kid to wreak havoc further up the pitch.

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