According to the print edition of O Jogo (29/04/23 as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been put on hold until the North London club appoint a new head coach.
Several Portuguese outlets have reported over the last few weeks that Ugarte might be on his way out of Sporting in the summer as Tottenham eye a move for the player (Leonino).
O Jogo have now claimed that the midfielder is ‘coveted’ by several teams in Europe, including Spurs, who have allegedly watched him ‘closely’ domestically as well as in Europe this season.
However, the publication suggests that the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Ugarte has currently been put on the back burner until they confirm a permanent head coach.
It is explained that should Spurs push ahead with a move for the Uruguayan, Sporting would be willing to sell.
In fact, O Jogo assert that Ugarte is ‘certain’ to leave the Jose Alvalade Stadium this summer as the Portuguese club’s efforts to tie the 22-year-old down to a new contract in order to raise his €60m (£52.6m) release clause have failed.
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Spurs Web Opinion
Spurs will not finalise any decisions regarding their summer transfer targets until they appoint a new head coach or a director of football.
That might allow other clubs to steal a march on some players, which is why it is important for Tottenham to make those appointments quickly.
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