The Red Devils are exploring the transfer market for a new defensive midfielder and Ugarte has been identified as a potential target for them.

The club have already held initial talks with the French champions over him, but they can't afford the reported £51m asking price at the moment.

A deal will depend on them parting ways with Casemiro, who is currently the highest earner at the club with a weekly salary of £350,000-a-week.

It is reported that the club need to get him off their wage bill and are presently optimistic of receiving transfer bids from the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are among admirers of the former Real Madrid man and they could be prepared to pay a decent fee for his transfer.

United will be hoping that Casemiro gives the green light for an exit. He has previously insisted that he has no reason to leave the club.

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