Manuel Ugarte could fix two problems with Jurgen Klopp as transfer ‘imminent’ amid Liverpool links

Manuel Ugarte could fix two problems with Jurgen Klopp as transfer ‘imminent’ amid Liverpool links

Liverpool are heavily linked with a move for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte and it looks like they can now confirm he will make the move.
Manuel Ugarte is likely to make a move this summer as reports suggest he could be a target for Liverpool.
The Sporting CP midfielder has caught the eye for his performances with the Portuguese side this season which has seen him linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
Portuguese magazine Record claims Liverpool are ready to start talks over Ugarte, the Reds are said to be willing to pay the $65m (£52m/€60m) deal while Sporting prepare to negotiate.
And Liverpool’s push to sign the 22-year-old is bolstered by new comments from his agent Jorge Chijane, who has revealed Ugarte will most likely leave Sporting this summer and even hopes to complete a deal within weeks. NO

“It’s almost certain that he will go away,” Chijane told O Jogo (translated from 90min). “I’ll be in Lisbon soon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best businessman in the world. When I first told him about Ugarte, he also said: ‘Your eyes are my eyes.'”

When asked about Liverpool’s interest, Chijane added: “There’s a lot of talk but it’s not the only club, there are others.
“There’s a lot of talk, but I’m still not sure about the club [Ugarte will join]. Many hypotheses are on the table. I believe the situation will be resolved in 15 days.

Other clubs are said to be interested, including Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham, Wolves and Tottenham. Arsenal are also said to have sent scouts to watch him in action, although the Gunners appear to have cooled their interest (via 90 Minutes).

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Ugarte is among those touted as a strong possibility and it’s easy to see why. With the imminent departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keïta and Arthur Melo and disappointing performances this season, Liverpool will need at least a few new midfielders this summer. Liverpool need more quality in the lower midfield and Ugarte can certainly provide that.
Moreover, with growing speculation over Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount, Ugarte is likely to offer a cheaper option and at 22 can be seen as a long-term option for the club. There will no doubt be interest from elsewhere and the first chance to eliminate the Reds’ Premier League rivals should not be underestimated as Liverpool look to climb back to the top next season.