Liverpool are ready to match Manuel Ugarte’s 60m euro release clause this summer, according to reports in Portugal, as Jurgen Klopp looks to add to his ranks before next season.
Despite a strong end to the campaign, it has been one to forget for the Reds, who look set to miss out on Champions League football for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
A rebuild of sorts is set to happen in the summer, with midfield trio James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all due to depart on free transfers, while Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho are either approaching or the wrong side of 30 years old.
It means that fresh faces will be needed on Merseyside.
They have already expressed their interest in Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this summer, but will look to sign several options in the middle of the park between now and the beginning of the new campaign.
One of those that they have been linked with is Sporting’s Ugarte, who impressed in the Europa League as they knocked out Arsenal, though he was sent off late on in the second leg.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Reds are now ready to meet his £52m release clause, as they look to beat the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle to his signature this summer.
Having missed out on Jude Bellingham, their no.1 target this summer, Liverpool are already hunting new ways to revamp their midfield, and Ugarte could prove a very savvy option in the centre of the park.
