Chelsea have set their sights on winning the race for sought-after Sporting CP destroyer Manuel Ugarte and are trying to strike a deal as soon as possible in light of ever-increasing outside interest in his services.
That’s according to Football Insider, who reports that newly-appointed Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has attempted to persuade Ugarte to head to west London by holding a phone conversation.
Indeed, Pochettino has finally been announced as their new manager, and the Argentine is likely to have some huge decisions to make on who will make his squad for the new campaign.
However, this is not to say Chelsea will not be looking to bring in some new players, with Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte believed to be high on their radar.
Regarded as one of the best young holding midfielders, the Uruguay international has been terrific for Sporting over the past year or so, making a total of 47 club appearances this season.
In fact, he has already verbally accepted terms on a long-term deal with the Blues, but the 22-year-old has received a significantly better offer from PSG.
PSG, meanwhile, have another advantage over Chelsea as they are willing to pay Ugarte’s buy-out clause up front, while the Blues reportedly prefer to agree to a structured deal.
Premier League rivals Manchester United have now entered the fray, and are seeking to steal Ugarte from under the noses of Chelsea as they look to bring in cover for Casemiro.
