Leeds United may have been handed their chance to wrap up a deal for Sporting Club de Portugal midfielder Manuel Ugarte as the Portuguese club could be forced to sell this summer.
That’s according to Leonino, who say the failure to qualify for the last four of the Europa League and the Champions League next year will force Sporting into a big sale.
They say that, according to their information, the Lions are ‘preparing to sell’ at least one of the stars of their current squad and Ugarte is in pole position to be moved on.
Sporting need to balance the books as qualifying for the Champions League next season looks unlikely and that has left them with ‘no other alternative’ but to sell at least one starter.
Ugarte is the prime candidate as he has left a ‘good image’ with his performances in the Europa League this season and would allow them to make a ‘significant financial gain’.
It was reported that they sent a scout to watch Ugarte take on Arsenal last month, while their interest in him was brought up again not long after.
They were also said to be interested two days ago, with a report claiming that Leeds had already been in touch with the player about a possible move to Elland Road this year.
They may now be presented with the opportunity to get the deal done, with Sporting needing to make a sale to help balance the books.
They currently own 60% of the player but that can rise to 80% via appearances, while there is plans to negotiate with former club Fénix, who own the other 20% of him.
At that point the Portuguese side’s goal is to raise between €60m and €80m for the midfielder, which would be a big transfer for Leeds to say the least.
Their current record signing is Brenden Aaronson at €32.84m so that would be broken comfortably if Sporting get what they want, and the Whites are willing to pay it.
