11 May 2023 , 15:12
1162
0
The agent of Manuel Ugarte has appeared to confirm Liverpool interest in the Uruguay international midfielder.
But Jorge Chijane, who is the 22-year-old’s manager in his home country, has explained that Ugarte has several offers on the table - and will resolve his future in a fortnight, when the Premier League and Portuguese Primeira Liga seasons come to a close.
Liverpool have followed the holding midfielder since he joined Sporting Lisbon from fellow Portuguese club F.C. Famalicão back in 2021.
And it is understood while there have yet to be any formal talks over the midfielder, the Anfield club have Ugarte on a list of possible defensive midfield targets, which include Real Madrid ’s French star Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich.
Chijane, who works with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has Liverpool stars Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Fabinho on his roster, confirmed that interest, when asked by a Portuguese media outlet.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others. There is a lot of talk, but I am still not sure about the club (he will sign with).
“There are many possibilities on the table. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved."
Ugarte has had a hugely impressive season for Sporting (Getty Images)Chijane also appeared to confirm that Ugarte - who has some of the best defensive midfield stats in all the European leagues - will definitely leave Portugal at the end of the season, with the Premier League the most likely destination.
"It's almost certain that he won't stay, it's sure he'll leave", the agent said. "Soon I'll be in Lisbon.”
Mendes played a key role in bringing Nunez - who is a friend of Uruguay team-mate Ugarte - to Anfield, and has maintained a close relationship with Liverpool’s departing director of football Julian Ward.
Meanwhile Reds captain Jordan Henderson insists he isn't concerned about the likely new midfield arrivals at Anfield this summer.
The Champions League and Premier League winning skipper is coming to the end of his 12th season at the club, and says he isn't watching transfer news too closely.
Ugarte is a Uruguay teammate of Reds forward Darwin Nunez (Getty Images)"I don't buy into things that get said from the outside," he said.
“You can see more from the inside when you're involved.
“You don't really pay too much attention. Of course you need to sign new players.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
“It's always important to freshen the squad and improve the team.
“I think if it's just centred around one position, I don't particularly agree with that but we have to improve in all parts of the team."