Newcastle United’s hierarchy is already laying the vital groundwork for an ambitious summer transfer window.Central to their recruitment strategy is a pressing need to strengthen their midfield department.According to Football Insider, the Magpies have identified Manchester United’s combative midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, as their primary target to anchor the team ahead of the upcoming campaign.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe 25-year-old Uruguayan international has emerged as the coveted missing piece in Newcastle’s tactical puzzle.Ugarte is known for his work-rate, his defensive quality and for bringing strength to the midfield.However, amid Man United’s constantly evolving tactical setups and a heavily congested midfield squad, Ugarte’s role at Old Trafford has occasionally fluctuated.Newcastle United are looking to rebuild their midfieldNewcastle’s recruitment team is reportedly eager to capitalize on this situation, viewing the 25-year-old as a premier, specialist “number six” who can instantly elevate their defensive solidity.The Magpies have historically relied on the brilliance of Bruno Guimarães to dictate the tempo of their matches, but the Brazilian maestro is at his most devastating when granted the freedom to push higher up the pitch and orchestrate attacks.Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider:“I think they (Newcastle) have had a long-term interest in Ugarte.“They looked at him when he was at Sporting Lisbon, but the last couple of moves haven’t worked out for Ugarte. First of all at PSG, and now at Man United, he has been a bit underwhelming.“He’s fallen out of favour this season under Michael Carrick. He’s started just seven games in the Premier League, so he’s struggled to have the desired impact that many expected.”More Stories / Latest NewsReport: Newcastle United make Man United midfield enforcer their priority transfer targetApr 14 2026, 7:17Liverpool and Man United perform scouting mission for 27-year-old left-backApr 14 2026, 6:58Sources: Man United and Liverpool targeting in-form ‘Number 6’ to rebuild their midfieldApr 14 2026, 6:36Magpies need a midfield enforcer like UgarteBy deploying a disciplined, pure destroyer like Ugarte at the base of the midfield, Newcastle would effectively unchain Guimarães, relieving him of heavy defensive burdens.Furthermore, Newcastle United’s interest could be linked to the uncertain future of Sandro Tonali, who is attracting interest from top Premier League clubs and could leave St. James’ Park in the summer.With Ugarte not impressing at Old Trafford, signing him from the Red Devils may not be that difficult for Eddie Howe and his team.Man United have made midfield reinforcements their priority for the summer transfer window and that is expected to push Ugarte further down the pecking order.Newcastle United can offer him the chance of more minutes as well as the opportunity to stay in the Premier League.Sources: Man United and Liverpool targeting in-form ‘Number 6’ to rebuild their midfield The post Report: Newcastle United make Man United midfield enforcer their priority transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.