Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly pushing Chelsea to make a move for Manuel Ugarte, with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder also a top target for Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the incoming Blues manager is keen to add the Uruguay international to his midfield this summer, with Pochettino approving Ugarte as a target for Chelsea as the west London side look ready to make their move.
Chelsea are far from alone in their interest in Ugarte, with Le Parisien recently reporting that Liverpool and PSG are also chasing the 22-year-old, with Jurgen Klopp’s side even believed to be readying a bid to trigger the youngster’s £52m release clause.
However, with the Anfield giants seemingly focused on signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea could sniff a chance to move for Ugarte, who could be an excellent addition for the west London side as they plan their own midfield rebuild.
Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante are both expected to leave with Matteo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek two other names who could depart Stamford Bridge. And for Liverpool, the Blues signing Ugarte could be quite the blow given how good the Uruguayan is.
Chelsea signing Ugarte could be the first of many transfer blows for Liverpool
Liverpool have been linked with what feels like every midfielder under the sun this summer, and as a result, there will be some players who the Reds simply miss out on, with Ugarte just one such name as Chelsea look to bring in the 22-year-old talent.
With a set release clause that Todd Boehly will be more than happy to pay, Ugarte signing for Chelsea could become a formality with the window soon opening. And for Liverpool, they will have to accept the fact that the South American could be heading to the English capital rather than Merseyside.
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