Liverpool ponders making an official bid for Manuel Ugarte after recent talks with the player’s agent.
According to The Transfer Room, Liverpool are inching closer to making an official bid for Manuel Ugarte. The Merseysiders have been in touch with the 22-year-old Chelsea target’s agents recently, which may have come down to making a proposal to convince Sporting CP.
Sporting CP have a gem on their hands with Manuel Ugarte but faces a big fight to keep the 22-year-old Uruguayan at the club. The Uruguayan has a release clause worth €45 million, which the Portuguese club are trying to increase by way of a new contract.
They might face defeat in their efforts, as Liverpool have already begun laying the groundwork to sign the midfielder. The upcoming summer window is crucial for Jurgen Klopp and his efforts to revamp his squad. The central midfield area has underwhelmed this season, with many of their usual performers in dismal form.
Liverpool could salvage their season if they can finish in the top four, but they face a fight in the last few games. In the summer, Klopp plans to bring reinforcements to his midfield. Alexis Mac Allister has emerged as a prime target for the German boss, who will also look to bring another talented midfielder on board.
Manuel Ugarte’s name has popped up in media reports over recent weeks, with many even claiming they have already made a contract offer. Liverpool have held promising talks with the 22-year-old Chelsea target’s agents and could make an official bid soon.
Liverpool are keen on the midfielder as Klopp sees him as an ideal fit for the system. The Reds face competition for the 22-year-old from several clubs, most notably Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge outfit are ready to make an important offer as Todd Boehly seeks a partner for Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea are already showing signs of investing heavily in the next window and strengthening their midfield in the summer. The Uruguayan has been exceptional for Sporting, with Boehly keen on dipping into the Portuguese market.
However, going by recent reports, Liverpool is a favourite to lead the chase for Ugarte. How much they will want to pay for the midfielder remains the question, but they will certainly sit down with Sporting before making an official offer.
