Liverpool are ready to submit their opening bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to a new report.
Having shelved plans to target Jude Bellingham when the market reopens, the Reds will instead spread their budget on several additions as Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team strive to revamp the engine room. Among the countless alternatives to Bellingham are Nicolo Barella, Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea star Mason Mount, who only has 13 months to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
However, it appears as though there is a fresh name for Liverpool to consider. Reports from Record underline growing interest from the Anfield club in Ugarte, whose his release clause is said to stand at £52.2m.
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According to the same article, the 22-year-old has been on radar of the Reds for quite some time as the Premier League giants prepare to launch their first concrete bid for him. However, there is no suggestion as to what figure Liverpool will start at in their apparent attempt to sign Ugarte.
Already capped eight times by the Uruguay national team, Ugarte has made 29 appearances for Sporting this season in their Liga Portugal charge; starting 26 games and totting-up 2,188 minutes. He has become a pivotal figure for them over the last 18 months or so.
Ugarte is represented by the famed Gestifute agency - headed up by Jorge Mendes - who are responsible for guiding worldwide superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva and would-be Liverpool team-mates Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. The player is under contract until 2026.
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