Man Utd are in talks to sign the “machine” that Old Trafford chiefs are so keen on

Manchester United have reportedly held talks over a potential deal to sign Erik ten Hag for the first time in the summer, as the Red Devils look to return to the Premier League's top four next season.

Man Utd transfer news

With the decision taken to retain Ten Hag instead of focusing on Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate, and even reportedly closing in on a new contract for the Dutchman, United appear to have shifted their focus to signing. Recent reports have linked the Red Devils with the likes of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Branthwaite enjoyed an impressive campaign at Goodison Park last season, which led to a £43m bid from United, which was rejected by Everton, who are still looking to land their reported £80m price tag this summer.

It remains to be seen whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe will match such a price, but there is no doubt that, whether it's Branthwaite or another option, United need a defensive boost following Raphael Varane's exit.

He is not the only Frenchman the Red Devils may need to replace this summer, however, with Casemiro's future still in doubt and the ideal option seemingly set. According to Fabrizio Romano of Caught Offside, Manchester United have been in touch with a possible deal to sign Manuel Ugarte this summer.

Although they are yet to present a bid to Paris Saint-Germain, Old Trafford bosses are reportedly keen on the midfielder who could leave the French champions just one year after completing a £51m move.

After clearly struggling in the heart of Ten Hag's midfield last season, welcoming a player of Ugarte's caliber would not only replace Casemiro but also provide Kobbie Mainoo with a suitable partner next season.

“The machine” Ugarte will be better than Casemiro

After a strong first season, Casemiro looks like the 32-year-old midfielder is on his way to peaking in the final campaign, raising doubts over his Old Trafford future. In form or not, if the Brazilian leaves this summer, United will need to welcome another replacement into his midfield position. And that's where Ugarte should come in.

Ugarte's recovery of the ball compared to Casemiro in particular stands out as the kind of feature that Ten Hag can give us which has been difficult to give us last year. That energy off the ball would go well with the likes of Mainoo, giving United a much-needed boost at the heart of their squad.

The PSG midfielder received a lot of praise before his move to the Ligue 1 giants, including Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who even described Ugarte as “Uruguay's full-back machine” last February. Now, it is United who could benefit from such a player if they go ahead and introduce PSG this summer.