Liverpool have spent the last two weeks trying to convince £53m player to join them

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Liverpool have spent the last two weeks in direct contact with Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte over a potential move to Anfield.

That’s according to Football Transfers, who claim that the midfielder is ‘of interest’ to the Reds. As a result, Liverpool have reportedly been speaking to Ugarte directly over the last fortnight.

However, the 22-year-old isn’t said to be one of the Reds primary targets for the summer. It’s claimed that other players are ‘further up’ their list of potential additions.

Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp is reportedly more inclined to strengthen the No.8 and No.10 positions. Consequently, Ugarte is ‘not a priority’ right now.

Still, Liverpool wouldn’t be in contact if they weren’t interested. One of the sticking points is said to be the value of the Uruguayan’s release clause. Said to currently stand at around £53m, the Reds have reportedly been ‘haggling’ over this price.

If they ultimately decide not to pay it, it’s seems that someone else might. Football Transfers report that – shock – Chelsea are also hovering around Ugarte. However, the process of their hiring of Mauricio Pochettino is said to be holding things up in that respect.

Liverpool continue Ugarte talks

It seems strange to suggest that Liverpool have gotten as far as speaking with a player and haggling over price if that player isn’t a priority.

In many fans minds, strengthening the team in the No.6 position absolutely should be a priority anyway. We can’t risk another season of Fabinho declining further. A ready-made successor has to be lined up.

Ugarte could very well be that successor. Extremely strong in the tackle, young, tenacious and with a high ceiling, there’s plenty to like about him.

At £53m, he isn’t the most expensive option on the market either. Of course, Liverpool will try and haggle that down if they can, but the presence of other suitors could complicate that.

Still, even if they do end up having to pay full whack for Ugarte, he looks like being good value. At just twenty-two he has plenty of time to grow into a player worth a fair bit more than that.

Somewhere over the course of talks, perhaps Ugarte will end up becoming a top target for Liverpool. With discussions ongoing for a couple of weeks, you’d imagine a breakthrough wouldn’t be all that far away.