Atlético Madrid identify new target in midfielder search

The powers that be at La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have earmarked a new target in their ongoing search for reinforcements in the middle of the park.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo (citing Cadena COPE), who point towards Manuel Ugarte as the player in question.

Uruguayan international Ugarte is for his part fresh off something of a hit-and-miss debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, following his big-money summer arrival from Sporting CP.

In has in turn been rumoured in the media that, just a year on from his arrival, the 23-year-old could soon be on the move once more.

And one club who would be eager to take advantage of any such situation, it would appear, are the aforementioned Atlético Madrid.

Diego Simeone and co. are known to be on the lookout for fresh blood at the base of the club’s engine room with a view to next season.

And Ugarte, it is understood, has been identified as a leading target on the part of the Rojiblancos brass.

As per MD, though, any operation towards a deal for his signature would be altogether ‘complex’, with the Uruguayan’s openness to a new challenge not shared by those in the boardroom at the Parc des Princes.

Conor Laird | GSFN