Premier League club hijacks Man United transfer move as search for midfielder goes on

Manchester United's pursuit of a player has been hijacked by a Premier League rival, meaning their search for a midfielder goes on.

Man United have signed Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, but Erik ten Hag is keen to add a new holding midfielder to his squad.

Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been top of United's wish list all summer, but the Old Trafford side have so far been unwilling to meet the asking price of Paris Saint-Germain.

An alternative list of targets was reportedly drawn up, with former loanee Sofyan Amrabat and Burnley star Sander Berge included.

According to the Daily Mail, United had an offer for the defensive midfielder rejected by Burnley as it fell short of the £30million valuation set by the Championship side.

It now looks like United have missed their chance, as Berge is set to join Fulham instead.

As reported by The Athletic, Fulham are close to clinching the signing of Berge for an initial fee of £20m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.

The Norwegian will travel to London and will undergo a medical on Tuesday having already agreed personal terms.

The deal will bring an end to Fulham's interest in United midfielder Scott McTominay, who United are open to selling this summer if he makes it clear that he wants to leave Old Trafford.

United are still on the hunt for a holding midfielder, a position that caused them problems for most of last season.

Casemiro impressed in 2022-23 after arriving from Real Madrid in a £70m deal, but last term he struggled for form and fitness.

Casemiro formed a midfield double pivot with teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo in United's Premier League opening day win against Fulham on Friday, but options are limited beyond that duo.

At present, Ten Hag does not have anyone capable of playing the holding midfield role on their own.