Chelsea are set to compete with Liverpool in the race to sign Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte who is emerging as one of the most coveted names in the market ahead of the summer window.
Jurgen Klopp’s Merseysiders have been credited with a strong interest in signing the 22-year-old defensive midfielder following his stellar season with Sporting Lisbon which has made top clubs across Europe keep tabs on him.
According to a report from Jornal de Noticias ( via goal.com), it is claimed that the Blues are throwing their hat in the ring for the Uruguayan who has a release clause worth €45 million which Sporting are pushing to increase through a contract extension.
Chelsea could themselves be scouting the market for midfield reinforcements with the west Londoners expected to part ways with two first-team regulars – Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount – with both tipped to leave as they enter the final year of their deals.
Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to rebuild the Chelsea squad he will inherit in the summer and the Argentine coach is expected to have a new midfielder on his priority list.
