Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
According to a report from Record (h/t SportWitness), the 21-year-old is on Newcastle’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
It is no secret that Newcastle will need to add more quality and depth to their midfield and the Uruguayan midfielder could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition.
The midfielder has a €60 million release clause in his contract and although Sporting are not keen on letting him leave anytime soon, they will be powerless to stop him from leaving if Newcastle decides to pay his buy-out clause.
Apparently, the Portuguese outfit are hoping to tie him down to a new long-term contract and raise his release clause to €80 million. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Newcastle have improved their squad significantly since their takeover but the midfield still leaves a lot to be desired.
Ugarte could be the ideal long-term partner for Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of the midfield and his ability to control the tempo of the game and shield the back four will allow the Brazilian international to operate with more freedom.
Ugarte has done well for Sporting CP this season and he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League as well. Someone like Eddie Howe could help him develop further and fulfill his tremendous potential.
Newcastle certainly have the financial muscle to pay the report at €60m release clause for the player and it remains to be seen whether they are willing to break the bank for him.