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Chelsea begin conversations to sign Liverpool’s 22-year-old midfield target

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By Shrishh Attavar

Chelsea begin conversations with Liverpool transfer target Manuel Ugarte

Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, wasted no time in initiating transfer discussions as claims emerge of talks with Sporting CP for the potential signing of Manuel Ugarte who has off-late grown to become a Liverpool transfer target as well.

Sky Sports reveal that Chelsea have engaged in negotiations with the Portuguese club regarding the midfielder. Manuel Ugarte has a release clause in the vicinity of €60m, and he still has three years remaining on his contract with Sporting CP (Transfermarkt).

Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting CP, has acknowledged the challenge of retaining players of Ugarte’s quality, implying that the midfielder’s departure could be on the horizon. The 22-year-old Uruguayan has attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs including Liverpool due to his impressive performances.

Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Manuel Ugarte.
Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Manuel Ugarte. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ugarte’s performances for Sporting CP have caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe. His dynamic style of play, technical abilities, and versatility in midfield make him an attractive prospect.

What next for Ugarte?

While Liverpool see themselves frequently linked with Ugarte in recent months, ECHO claims that the Reds are not pursuing a transfer for the young midfielder. It appears that Chelsea has taken the initiative in their pursuit of Ugarte, leaving Liverpool out of the race for his signature.

In any case, however, it would be wise of the Reds to not totally drop off their interest due to the emergence of other clubs. Liverpool certainly have a need for midfield reinforcements over the summer and they should not stand fazed by other clubs showing interest in their targets.

Sporting Lisbon's Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte warms up.
Sporting Lisbon’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte warms up. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Having said that, Liverpool’s decision not to pursue Ugarte suggests that Jurgen Klopp and the recruitment team have alternative targets in mind to strengthen their midfield options.

The Reds have to remain consistently active in the transfer market, seeking to bolster their squad with players who could indeed fit their style of play and long-term plans.

More Liverpool News

As with any transfer speculation, it is important to approach the news with caution until official announcements are made. The summer transfer window is renowned for its twists and turns, and deals can fall through or take unexpected turns and Liverpool could suddenly become front-runners to get Ugarte on board at any given time.