Manchester United have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha after an impressive start to the World Cup.
Manchester United are attempting to rebuild their midfield this summer after Casemiro left the club upon the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.
Before his injury, Ugarte looked destined to follow Casemiro out the door, having rarely featured under Michael Carrick, but now he seems likely to stay at the club while he recovers.
Éderson from Atalanta will be United's first midfield signing of the summer, after a deal was agreed at the start of the month. However, his late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad could delay the official announcement until after the tournament.
United have also held club-to-club talks with West Ham United regarding Mateus Fernandes. Tottenham Hotspur are also pursuing the central midfielder, but they are looking at Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, too.
Felix Nmecha seems to be one of the alternatives if United cannot sign Fernandes, and they have just been handed a huge boost in the deal.
Nmecha's transfer preference revealed
It had been reported that Borussia Dortmund would demand as much as £100 million, if not more, for Felix Nmecha this summer, with his stock only rising after impressing at the World Cup. However, recent reports have said that Dortmund may have to accept offers of £73.5 million due to his release clause.
That was already a huge boost for United, but they have just received another as Felix Nmecha wants to return to Manchester.
The midfielder came through the ranks at Manchester City, and BILD have reported that he would like to return to Manchester, despite interest from Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Manchester City are interested in Nmecha, but United should be able to offer more game time to the 25-year-old, especially after Ugarte's injury.
United must act quickly
While United have completed most of the formal steps to sign Éderson and it appears they have agreed another loan move for Andre Onana, they need to start acting faster.
Several potential targets have already agreed their next move, and United are on their heels. Taking too long on the Fernandes deal has allowed Tottenham to get back into the race.
Karl Darlow - a goalkeeper target - was available on a free transfer, and United waited too long. He now looks set to sign a new deal at Leeds United.
Having alternative options to their main targets is a good thing, but United cannot afford to keep missing on their first choice.
At some point, they simply have to reach into their pocket and smash their cheque book on the table. Not paying over the odds, but submitting bids and acting with conviction.
