NEWCASTLE have reportedly approached Sporting Lisbon over the possibility of signing midfielder Manuel Ugarte in a £54million deal.
The Magpies are keen to strengthen in the summer transfer window as they prepare to build on a stellar first full campaign under Eddie Howe.
The arrival of Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes in January of last year has transformed Newcastle’s midfield as he has quickly become the club’s most important player.
Uruguayan Ugarte, 21, could well be his perfect partner in the middle of the park as he is more defensive-minded.
Guimaraes has previously admitted he prefers to play further forward, but is often asked to perform a deeper role to help Howe’s team function more fluidly.
And he could be pushed further upfield if Newcastle are able to strike a deal for Ugarte – with Record reporting they have already enquired about signing him.
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Sporting want to keep hold of Ugarte beyond the summer and are keen to tie him down to an improved deal until 2026 or 2027.
And they are trying to increase his release clause from £54m to £72m.
That is proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations as Ugarte is only prepared to sign a new deal if his release clause remains the same.
His existing contract does not expire for three more years, but failing to improve his terms could lead to a departure from Sporting this summer.
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Ugarte has made 68 appearances for the Portuguese side, contributing one goal and two assists.
His impressive shielding of the defence has seen him earn six caps for Uruguay.
He went to the World Cup in Qatar, but was an unused substitute in all three of his country’s games before their group-stage exit.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are pushing for a place in the Champions League.
Howe’s men sit fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Tottenham.
They are also into the Carabao Cup final where they will face Man Utd at Wembley on February 26, hoping to end a 68-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
