‘Significant progress’ made to sign Manchester United man – ‘Almost certain’ he’ll make January exit

Galatasaray have made ‘significant progress’ on a deal for Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte, and it is ‘almost certain’ he’ll join the Turkish side, but only if other targets say no.

That’s according to Fotomaç, who cover the midfielder today. They report that signing a defensive midfielder in January is a priority for Galatasaray.

They are ‘closely interested’ in Ugarte and there are ‘significant developments’ happening behind the scenes towards making that happen. In fact, ‘significant progress’ has been made in negotiations for the Manchester United man.

Fotomaç have learned that the Uruguayan is the player the Turkish side’s management are closest to reaching an agreement with. However, they are delaying pushing anything over the line. Instead, they want to see how negotiations with other targets go first.

Players such as Ruben Neves, Raphael Onyedika and Ederson are higher on the list. Thus, the Manchester United man is being handled cautiously for now.

If no agreement can be reach with the other candidates, it is considered ‘almost certain’ that Ugarte will arrive from Manchester United. That would likely be a loan deal with a purchase option.

The midfielder, for his part, has been convinced of the move. According to Takvim, he’s spoken to international teammates Lucas Torreira and Fernando Muslera about the switch. Now he just needs Galatasaray to make him their number one and push the deal through.