Newcastle United plot move to sign Manuel Ugarte as Man United exit nears
Newcastle United are planning to make a move for Manuel Ugarte to bolster their midfield ranks as he struggles to make an impact at Manchester United.
Ugarte has come in for some criticism from Man United fans over the last 12 months, but has still been a reliable performer off the bench since the turn of the year.
Reports in his native Uruguay recently claimed that Newcastle saw a move to sign him in January rejected by the Red Devils.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Magpies have held a long-term interest in his services and remain interested ahead of the summer window.
Newcastle's transfer plans are up in the air ahead of the summer as they prepare for numerous key players to leave before they can sign replacements.
Newcastle interested in Manuel Ugarte as Man United exit looms
Michael Carrick's arrival as Man United interim boss has seen Ugarte slip down the pecking order in midfield behind Kobbie Mainoo, with his last league start coming against Burnley on 7 January.
They are planning a midfield overhaul as Casemiro departs, and Newcastle are alert to Ugarte's situation as his future remains unlikely, especially if Carrick is appointed on a permanent basis.
| Appearances (starts) | 21 (7) |
| Minutes played | 791' |
| Successful pass % | 84.8% |
| Successful dribble % | 77.8% |
| Duels won | 8.19 |
| Tackles per 90 | 4.89 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 2.05 |
| Fouls committed per 90 | 2.5 |
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think they (Newcastle) have had a long-term interest in Ugarte.
"They looked at him when he was at Sporting Lisbon, but the last couple of moves haven't worked out for Ugarte. First of all at PSG, and now at Man United, he has been a bit underwhelming.
"He's fallen out of favour this season under Michael Carrick. He's started just seven games in the Premier League, so he's struggled to have the desired impact that many expected."
Man United could use Ugarte to complete Sandro Tonali move
It is no secret that the Red Devils hold an interest in Tonali, as rumours circle around a potential departure from Tyneside this summer.
Sources have told Football Insider that Man United are prioritising a move for Tonali as they look set to miss out on Elliot Anderson to rivals Man City.
The Red Devils could use Newcastle's interest in Ugarte to further a move for Tonali, with a swap deal of sorts potentially on the cards.
That would likely mean that the Magpies have to sell Tonali quite early in the summer window, however, as they are facing competition for Ugarte's signature from numerous European clubs, which would not go down well with many fans.