Man City 'ready to hijack' Man Utd's bid for summer target to ruin Sir Jim Ratcliffe transfer plan

Manchester City could be about to rival Manchester United for one their main summer transfer targets, according to reports in France.

United have been one of the more active Premier League clubs in the opening weeks of the window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to make a strong start in a hugely important summer for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag's side are closing in on signing forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after agreeing terms with the striker.

United are reportedly deliberating over whether to trigger the Netherlands international's €40m (£34m) release clause or negotiate a higher fee, which would allow them to pay for him in instalments.

The Premier League club are also in talks to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, with negotiations said to be at an advanced stage.

Another player strongly linked with a move to Manchester is PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The 23-year-old moved to the Parc des Princes from Sporting Lisbon last summer but struggled to produce his best form in his debut season in France.

He has, however, impressed at Copa America for Uruguay, helping his side reach the last four - where they will face Colombia.

PSG are reportedly open to selling the Uruguayan and a fee of £50m could be enough for United to secure his services, according to the Manchester Evening News.

But they face competition for his signature.

Manuel Ugarte is being linked with both Man Utd and Man City (Image: Getty)

Reports in France claim both Manchester City and Barcelona are also interested in the midfielder, while Liverpool have also been linked.

Le10 Sport (via Sport Witness) claim City and Barcelona have made 'concrete moves' for Ugarte, in addition to United.

It is claimed that PSG head coach Luis Enrique will have the final decision on Ugarte's future and could let him leave the club this summer.

Speaking last month about Liverpool's reported interest, Ugarte's agent Jorge Chijane said: "Liverpool? There is a lot of talk but it is not the only club, there are others. There are many possibilities on the table."

He added: "It's almost certain that he won't stay, it's sure he'll leave. I believe the situation will be resolved."