Newcastle United are interested in acquiring 22-year-old Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte ahead of next season.
According to Jornal de Notícias via Sport Witness, Newcastle United are interested in signing Manuel Ugarte ahead of next season. The 22-year-old has been doing wonders while playing for Sporting CP in the ongoing season. There are a number of Premier League clubs interested in his services. But it is believed that the Magpies are the ones leading the race.
Ugarte joined Sporting CP ahead of the 2021/22 season. He has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of seasons. He has caught the eye of quite a few clubs of late. The 22-year-old has featured in 43 matches for the Portuguese club in the ongoing season.
He has been the mainstay of Sporting in the centre of the park racking up over 3200 minutes. As per reports, Newcastle had sent scouts to watch him in action during their Europa League quarter-final clash against Juventus. And, they were impressed by his work rate.
The Uruguay international’s contract at the club runs until the summer of 2026. However, he could be on the move in the summer given the amount of interest in his services. There is a €60 million release clause in his contract which could be his price tag for the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Portuguese club are keen on extending Ugarte’s current contract and raising his release clause to €80 million. However, the player’s representatives do not want to pen down any new deal as they would prefer a move to a bigger club in the summer.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are keen on having the 22-year-old defensive midfielder in their ranks. The Magpies are pushing for a Champions League spot at this point in time, and they are likely to achieve their objective.
Eddie Howe is keen on bolstering his midfield ahead of next season as they prepare to compete in European competition and take the next step towards becoming one of the biggest clubs in England.
Newcastle have been doing great in the transfer windows post their takeover. They have targeted young players with high potential. And, the 22-year-old has a profile that attracts the club. As a result, they are willing to go all out.
Given their financial power, paying the €60 million release clause is not that big a challenge. However, there is a lot of interest from other Premier League clubs, and they might push the Magpies all the way for his signatures.
