Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is open to joining Manchester United despite their absence in the Champions League next term, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Uruguay international joined the French champions from Sporting Lisbon last summer. He made 37 appearances, but he was largely on the bench in the second half of the campaign.

Luis Enrique preferred the trio of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaire-Emery over him in midfield and this could pave the way for his departure in the coming weeks.

Romano has now revealed that United and PSG have been in touch in the last few hours.

The reputed journalist added that PSG have made the decision to sell Ugarte. The 23-year-old would be open to joining United even without Champions League football.

Ugarte would be a perfect replacement for Casemiro The South American star made a huge name for himself in the Primeira Liga with Sporting.

As a result, he secured a big-money move to PSG where he could not establish himself under Enrique. He was an unused substitute on 14 occasions during his debut campaign.

Ugarte would not want to waste the prime of his career on the bench. A move away from Parc des Princes seems the right choice. His decision could benefit the Red Devils.

United are currently lacking the presence of a robust defensive midfielder with exceptional passing skills.

Ugarte would be an ideal fit for the role. He completed 91 percent of his passes last term, but also impressed defensively with 6.3 duels won and 7.2 recoveries per league appearance.

The former Sporting man also won 3.9 tackles on average for Les Parisiens. He has the tendency to be dribbled past, but tends to make up for it with his ability to regain possession.

PSG have described him as a 'tireless' midfielder due to his exceptional work rate. The PS38 million-rated star would be a statement signing to replace Casemiro who is past his prime.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com