Liverpool have received encouragement in their ongoing pursuit of Manuel Ugarte after the Sporting star’s agent, Jorge Chijane, told O Jogo that his client is expected to change clubs in the summer.
On Wednesday, we covered a claim from Record that explained the Reds are moving ahead in the transfer race. It was also stated Liverpool are the ‘strongest candidate’ to sign the midfielder.
When specifically asked about the possibility of the 22-year-old moving to Anfield, he said: “Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others. There is much talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table.”
O Jogo state the 22-year-old’s agent is set to arrive in Lisbon in the next few days to hold talks with the Lions over his client’s future. He will be accompanied by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Apart from revealing the Uruguay international won’t be at Sporting next season, the representative also stressed the situation around his client’s future should be resolved soon.
“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay, it’s sure he’ll leave. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved,” Chijane explained.
“Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best agent in the world. In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said to me: ‘Your eyes are my eyes’.”
Apart from Liverpool, Chijane admits there are other Premier League sides interested in signing the South American.
Ugarte has a contract until 2026 and it includes a €60m release clause. He has featured 45 times this season for Sporting.
