According to a claim in the Turkish media, Galatasaray are closing in on Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguay international struggled to get appearances this season under Ruben Amorim, but has started the last two games under Darren Fletcher. However, despite his involvement against Burnley and Brighton Hove Albion an exit from Old Trafford hasn’t gone away.
Haber Sarikirmizi have covered comments made by journalist Yakup Çınar when asked about Galatasaray’s pursuit for the Manchester United player.
The Turkish journalist revealed transfer talks have been ongoing and that national teammates linked with Gala are trying to convince the 24-year-old.
One of those is a Galatasaray legend. Fernando Muslera played more than 400 matches for the club. The Uruguayan returned to South America earlier this year.
The other is Lucas Torreira, who has been at Gala since joining from Arsenal in 2022. He’s said to have been working to persuade Ugarte since earlier this month.
Yakup Çınar went on to say the Super Lig leaders are looking to loan the Manchester United midfielder and their chances of signing him look promising.
“Galatasaray continues its contacts regarding Manuel Ugarte. Names such as Muslera and Torreira are in talks with the player about Galatasaray. Galatasaray wants to rent him with a loan purchase option. The player will leave Manchester United 100%,” said the Turkish reporter.
Manchester United may pause transfers
Last week we covered reports Ugarte had agreed personal terms with the Istanbul side. With the uncertainty over the future of Gabriel Sara they may need to bring in a central midfielder this month.
Sara has been linked with a return to the UK, with claims the 26-year-old is being tracked by Fulham and Sunderland.
Manuel Ugarte has made just seven Premier League starts this season from a possible 21 games. He’s contracted to the Red Devils until 2029, with the option of another season.
Over in Italy, where AS Roma want to take Joshua Zirkzee, it’s stated Manchester United have put a pause on exits for now. That stance doesn’t appear to have made it to Turkey.