Tottenham Hotspur are pressing forward with a move for a midfielder who is considered surplus to requirements at Man United, but the Lilywhites may have a big hurdle to overcome.
Roberto De Zerbi looks set to undertake a rebuild of the Tottenham squad ahead of his first full season in charge, but the Italian will first have to keep the club in the Premier League.
Reports indicated that Spurs have already started making plans regarding their midfield ahead of the summer window.
A Man United star, who has found game time hard to come by under Michael Carrick, is on the North London club’s radar, but a deal for him will not be straightforward.
Clubs from around Europe eyeing Tottenham target Manuel Ugarte
Over recent weeks, it has been reported that Tottenham are plotting a move for Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to depart Old Trafford this summer.
Reports indicate that Spurs can land the Uruguay international for £35m this summer, but Ben Jacobs has now revealed that many clubs across Europe have also entered the race for the 25-year-old.
Jacobs told The United Stand: “I am told that Manuel Ugarte is very likely to leave Manchester United. I have been reporting that for quite some time, but he has options abroad as well, in Italy, Ajax are still very interested too. The Galatasaray links have not gone away. Monaco have made an enquiry too.”
One factor could lead Ugarte to snub Spurs
Tottenham and Newcastle are the two Premier League sides credited with an interest in the Man United star, but Jacobs suggests that both clubs could fall short in their transfer pursuit.
This is because Ugarte is said to be prioritising clubs that can offer him Champions League football.
Jacobs added: “What I sense with Manuel Ugarte is that he will prioritise a project with Champions League football, which might make it difficult for some of the Premier League clubs which have been linked with him, such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. If Ugarte leaves Manchester United, it would not be a surprise if he chose to go abroad, rather than stay in the Premier League.”
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