The midfielder is on the verge of swapping Lisbon for Paris (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea and Liverpool look set to miss out on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte after Paris Saint-Germain agreed terms with the Uruguayan, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign and has been attracting the attention of a host of clubs around Europe, not least because of his €60million (£52m) release clause.
Liverpool are looking to bolster their midfield this summer by bringing in a new destroyer, while Chelsea are also looking to add more steel and solidity to their ranks.
Ugarte – whose 121 successful tackles is by far the most in the Portuguese league – felt like a natural fit for both teams, while Aston Villa and Tottenham were also credited with interest.
But the Uruguay international looks set to snub a move to the Premier League and, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, is in advanced talks to move to PSG.
Transfer chief Luis Campos has identified Ugarte as the ideal signing for the Ligue 1 giants and has been holding talks with the player’s camp for several weeks.
PSG want to wrap up a deal as soon as possible and it could be made official in the coming days, with the Parisians prepared to pay the £52m release clause in full.
Ugarte impressed against Arsenal in the Europa League (Picture: Getty)
Discussions are now very advanced and Ugarte has already verbally agreed terms, with the midfielder keen to move to Paris.
PSG expect Ugarte to be their first signing of what could be a very busy summer, with Bayern Munich’s Lucas Hernandez their next target while they also want a new striker and have been linked with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen.
Ugarte’s looming move to PSG is a blow for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp having been targeting a defensive midfielder this summer as well as a more creative one.
More: Trending
Graham Potter closing in on first job since Chelsea sacking
Arsenal have £14m bid rejected for Sacha Boey as Galatasaray reveal asking price
Paul Scholes names Man Utd star who can replace injured Antony in FA Cup final team
The Merseysiders are believed to be in advanced talks to sign Alexis Mac Allister to fill the latter role, with the Argentine having a gentleman’s agreement that he can leave Brighton if a suitable offer is received.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are also looking to sign a midfielder with a more defensive profile to sit alongside Enzo Fernandez and may now need to reassess their options.
The Blues have long-standing interest in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo – though the Seagulls rejected several approaches in January – while they might even revisit a move for former academy starlet Declan Rice, though West Ham will demand a British-record fee in excess of £100m.
Chelsea join Liverpool in pursuit of Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte
Liverpool target Manuel Ugarte almost certain to leave Sporting, says agent
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/25/psg-agree-terms-with-manuel-ugarte-and-will-trigger-60m-buyout-18842792/
No comments:
Post a Comment