Earlier this year, we covered claims made in the Portuguese press that Newcastle United have identified Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte as a target and have initiated contact to sign him in the summer.
The defensive midfielder has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season and has been one of the standout players for the Lions.
His displays have not gone unnoticed in England as Friday’s Record states Newcastle are in the picture to sign the 21-year-old.
The Portuguese club will have to raise funds to carry out signings in the next window. In order to achieve this, they would have to cash in from selling some of their assets and Ugarte’s name ‘appears at the top of the list’.
There’s ‘growing interest’ from Newcastle in the Uruguay international. It’s further claimed Eddie Howe’s side have promised to ‘move forward with an official proposal’ for the player in the summer.Record don’t mention the details of the offer the Magpies plan to make. Ugarte has €60m release clause in his contract that expires in 2026.
