“Deal edging forward…” – Three major Manchester United transfer updates emerge

Manchester United are making movements in the transfer market, with one deal reportedly ‘edging forward’ as pre-season quickly approaches.

The Reds are keen to improve Erik ten Hag’s playing squad in the coming weeks after it was confirmed that INEOS would keep the Dutch coach at Old Trafford.

United have several priority positions to strengthen in the transfer market, particularly centre-back and striker. They are also eyeing a midfield signing.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Joshua Zirkzee have been heavily linked and seem favourites in the defensive and forward units respectively.

Meanwhile, new reports have suggested that PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte is an option in midfield.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday afternoon, transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided the latest information on those three targets and admitted that while he has been told that Zirkzee’s move is ‘edging closer’, there is still a lot of work to be done.

“They are looking at a host of midfielders, and they’ve been linked with even more. The latest one that we’ve been told is that there is an interest in the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte,” explained Sheth.

“I’m told that with regard to any potential incoming, nothing is hot at the moment. United are just on the look out and keeping an eye on various players and their situations.

“The forward, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, we understand that talks are ongoing with his representatives. One source has told me that a potential deal is edging forward, but there is clearly a lot of work to do to get that deal over the line.

“With regard to a central defender, e know one of the players that they are after is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. They have made that first bid, up to around £43 million, that was rejected.

“As yet, they haven’t gone back in and followed up on that initial bid. We think that’s because Manchester United are waiting for some kind of indication that Everton will reduce their £70 million asking price.

“If they’re not getting that indication then they are likely to move onto other targets and quickly.”

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