Interest in Manuel Ugarte is thought to be high as it appears the Manchester United midfielder has been put up for sale this summer.
With Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of the season, Manuel Ugarte could have made the step up and taken the chance to become his long-term replacement at Manchester United.
For a few games, it looked like Ugarte could do, especially under Darren Fletcher. Ugarte started several of Rúben Amorim's final games in charge, as well as the two games under interim head coach Darren Fletcher, where he impressed against Burnley.
However, Ugarte has not started a match under Michael Carrick, who now looks a real contender to become the permanent head coach next season after Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel signed new contracts with Brazil and England, respectively.
Recent reports have said that United are looking at signing one high-profile midfielder to replace Casemiro and another engine room man to support the new addition, but this won't be as expensive as the first player.
Ugarte set for summer transfer
Caught Offside have reported that Manchester United are "open" to selling Manuel Ugarte this summer, as the former PSG midfielder is pushing for a move away himself, due to a lack of game time.
Ugarte looked for a loan move in the January transfer window, but the move was blocked by the club, along with Tyrell Malacia's transfer away, and Joshua Zirkzee's likely return to Italy.
Juventus appear to be leading the race to sign the former Sporting CP defensive midfielder, as they have tracked him since his time under Rúben Amorim in Portugal.
United value Ugarte at £35 million, so they look set to take a loss on their £50 million purchase just two years ago.
Along with Juventus, Aston Villa, Galatasaray and Newcastle United are all monitoring the situation. Ajax and Sunderland have also been touted as potential moves, but they appear less likely than the other clubs.
Ugarte to leave hole in United squad
Even if Manchester United signs two defensive midfielders to replace Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, they will still be leaving with a midfield hole in the squad.
The current engine room options are Casemiro, Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, although Fernandes seems the nailed-on No.10 unless absolutely necessary.
If Mainoo were to get injured, Michael Carrick would be forced to rely on either of the young Fletcher twins to replace him or ask Fernandes to play out of position to accommodate Mason Mount in attacking midfield.
United look set to return to the Champions League next season, and only having three defensive midfielders at the club will not be enough for a double-pivot system.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox must make midfield his priority position this summer, with up to three players needed.