According to the print edition of Record (19/04/23 as relayed by Sport Witness), Leeds United could now enter the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham over recent months.
Ugarte established himself as a mainstay in Sporting’s midfield at the start of the season and has quickly evolved into one of the club’s most important players.
Tottenham fans would have seen the Uruguayan in action in the club’s Champions League clashes against Sporting earlier this season, with news of the North London club’s interest in the youngster first emerging back in November of last year (A Bola).
O Jogo (27/03/23 via Sport Witness) claimed last month that the Portuguese club would want the 22-year-old’s release clause of €60m (£53.1m) to be met and asserted that Spurs might sign the midfielder and loan him back to Jose Alvalade Stadium.
However, if Record’s latest update is to be believed, Leeds are now also eyeing a summer move for Ugarte.
The report asserts that the Premier League side have been following the player since his time in Uruguay and have now become even more interested in him since his breakthrough year in Portugal.
However, it is explained that the club would need to secure their top-flight status before thinking of making an offer for Ugarte.
Spurs Web Opinion
I do not see Spurs or any other club meeting Ugarte’s high release clause, given that the youngster has had just one good season in the Portuguese top flight.
Sporting are also notoriously difficult to negotiate with, which is why a move for the Uruguayan could prove quite complicated.