Tottenham scouts will watch Manuel Ugarte closely at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the north Londoners retaining an interest in the Uruguay international.
According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham retain an interest in 21-year-old Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte. The north Londoners will send scouts to extensively watch the South American midfielder at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to formalise a future approach.
Manuel Ugarte has seen an exponential rise in football since performing consistently at Sporting CP. He has become one of the top assets for the Portuguese club, and naturally, there is widespread interest in the 21-year-old South American midfielder.
He has also started playing regularly for his national side. Ugarte was called up to feature for Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and many club scouts could be present to watch him in action in Qatar.
One of them will be from Tottenham, who have shown interest in the midfielder. During the summer, Antonio Conte reportedly wanted the 21-year-old but could not agree on a deal with Sporting CP. Instead, they signed Yves Bissouma from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Malian international is yet to settle in properly.
Yet, Tottenham retain an interest and could make another attempt to bring him next summer. Club scouts will watch him during the World Cup in Qatar and get first-hand experience of what the player can bring to the team. Spurs also saw his qualities during the two UEFA Champions League games this season.
Tottenham are in the market for a new midfielder, and Ugarte is among those on their shortlist. The 21-year-old South American midfielder is viewed for the long-term future, although Sporting will demand a significant price for the Uruguayan international. The asking rate could be justified if he has a tremendous World Cup.
However, considering Tottenham are not a club with unlimited resources, they might focus their budget on essential players. For now, they already have three defensive midfielders, and Conte is keen on adding a creative player. Unless they get Ugarte on the cheap, any big-money move may feel unlikely, considering the need for players in different positions.
Spurs need a new creative midfielder, wing-backs, and central defenders. Additionally, they might have to invest in a new goalkeeper if Hugo Lloris decides to leave next year. However, Tottenham, depending on the report of his performances in Qatar, could change their mind and probably make an effort to sign Ugarte.
