Liverpool plot summer move for Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte

Liverpool have registered their interest in Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte ahead of a potential summer move, according to CNN Portugal.

The Reds have endured a disastrous season, sitting seventh in the Premier League and are battling for a place in the Europa League.

The midfield department has been seen as the Achilles heel this season, with most of the midfielders struggling with injuries and suffering a drop in their performances.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also set to leave this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, the Reds have prioritised bolstering the midfield in the summer transfer window.

Having already been linked with a handful of midfielders, Ugarte is the latest name to enter the radar of the Reds.

The Uruguayan international has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe following an impressive campaign with Sporting CP.

One of his best performances of the season came against Arsenal in the Europa League round of 16 second leg, with Ugarte inspiring the Portuguese giants to the quarter-finals.

The 22-year-old’s exceptional stats also show that he sits in the same league as Europe’s elite midfielders.

Ugarte’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, and Sporting have reportedly set a release clause worth £53 million.

It’s no surprise that top clubs are after him, with La Liga giants Barcelona being offered the chance to sign Ugarte by his agent Jorge Mendes.

Liverpool also have a great relationship with Mendes after he brokered the moves for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota to Anfield in the past.

The Reds are now looking to tap into their ties with the Portuguese superagent for Ugarte.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has already insisted that there will be more investments in the summer and particularly stressed the need for more midfielders.

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has struggled for game time this season.

However, Bayern are determined to keep the Dutch midfielder for the foreseeable future, although he needs assurances over his role.