Manchester United could be set to receive £24 million for one of their outcasts after Turkish side Galatasaray made him their "top priority".
After an impressive spell under the title "short-term head coach until the end of the season", Michael Carrick earned the permanent role for next season and beyond. His first game as full-time boss was against Brighton, in which Manchester United seriously impressed.
Roundtable understands that Carrick is set to have a say in transfer proceedings this summer, unlike Rúben Amorim during his tenure at Old Trafford.
While this is likely to oversee the replacement of Casemiro, who has already left Manchester upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, it is likely Carrick will also be consulted about who will leave the club this summer.
Tyrell Malacia has been confirmed to be following Casemiro out of the Old Trafford door, but uncertainty hangs over the heads of Altay Bayindir, Andre Onana, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee, not to mention Marcus Rashford.
Galatasaray make Ugarte "top priority"
Manuel Ugarte has struggled to break into the Manchester United starting side for much of his time since he left Paris Saint-Germain, including against Brighton, when Casemiro was not amongst the travelling squad.
Instead of choosing Ugarte in his natural role, Carrick gave the nod to Mason Mount, who dropped back into the double pivot alongside Kobbie Mainoo. And that appears to have written the writing on the wall for the Uruguay international.
Turkish outlet Aksam claim that Galatasaray - who won the Turkish Super League last season - have made Ugarte a "top priority" for this summer.
United are said to be demanding £24 million for Ugarte, despite paying £42 million for him in August 2024. That's nearly a £20 million loss for the Red Devils.
Last summer, Director of Football Jason Wilcox reportedly implemented a new ruling, where if you have had two poor years at the club, you will be moved on at the end of that season. Ugarte seems to be following that path.
Who will replace Manuel Ugarte?
United have several options in this area, despite needing several midfielders to join the club this summer.
It seems the deal to sign Ederson is now a matter of when and not if, although reports state that a fee has not been agreed upon just yet. The Atalanta midfielder is likely to cost under £40 million, so that would likely be as a backup option for a more high-profile defensive midfielder.
Perhaps Ederson's role next season will be a similar one to the job Ugarte was signed to do, although everyone at United will hope the Brazilian can perform to a higher standard than Ugarte.
Tyler Fletcher and Jacob Devaney could be other options, should Carrick wish to promote from within. Fletcher - who is more defensive-minded than his twin brother - has played several times under Carrick, including against Brighton, and may be ready for more minutes.
