Manchester United considered moving for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Jerry Schouten amid their long-drawn negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte.
United spent a large part of their summer prioritising the signing of the Uruguayan star, whom they reportedly consider “one of the best young” midfielders in the game.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ugarte has also been clear about his desire to move to Old Trafford all summer. Further, Luis Enrique suggested he is open to his departure by excluding him from his matchday squad for each of the opening two Ligue 1 games this season.
However, PSG adopted a hard stance during their discussions with United in their attempt to recoup all of the €60 million they paid Sporting Lisbon just 12 months earlier for his services.
Despite all parties’ intention to get the deal over the line, the Red Devils reportedly had to explore alternative options this summer, as talks continued to drag on due to the two clubs’ disagreement over his valuation.
According to The Daily Mail, United “explored a move” for PSV Eindhoven star Jerdy Schouten as a “fall-back option” for Ugarte.
The Dutch midfielder could have joined the growing throng of his countrymen if United decided to walk away from their pursuit of the Uruguay international.
It is claimed Erik ten Hag is an admirer of Schouten and would have supported any move for his signature if United failed to convince PSG to sanction Ugarte’s exit.
The report adds that another Netherlands international, Teun Koopmeiners, was admired by United.
Regardless, the Premier League giants continued to view Ugarte as their primary target to strengthen their midfield and found a breakthrough early this week, agreeing to pay the Parisians an initial fee of €50m plus a further €10m in add-ons.
The 23-year-old travelled to the UK from Paris late on Tuesday night, and his signing is expected to be announced on Friday.
Schouten and Koopmeiners, who has now joined Juventus, are certainly quality midfielders, but Ten Hag must be happy to get his preferred target. Ugarte is a ball-winning machine, who should fit like a glove in the Dutch tactician’s counter-pressing system.
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