Sources: Newcastle United send scouts to watch Darwin Nunez ally as £53m news emerges
Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon star Manuel Ugarte as they eye up a swoop this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea in the hunt for his signature in the upcoming window.
The 22-year-old’s release clause at the Portuguese club is £53million which interested parties will have to meet to secure a deal this summer.
Sporting are holding firm on the full release clause being met as they are only entitled to 70 per cent of the money.
Ugarte’s former club Famalicao are entitled to the other 30 per cent and Sporting are insistent that the full £53m is met as a result.
The midfielder is an international teammate of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and both players were at the World Cup with Uruguay.
Nunez featured three times for his country during the competition in Qatar, whilst Ugarte was an unused substitute in the three games before they were eliminated.
Liverpool are preparing for a massive midfield overhaul this summer as Jurgen Klopp targets up to three new arrivals in central midfield, as well as a centre-back and a right-back this summer.
Newcastle are also set to spend this summer and are looking to bring in several new arrivals after an impressive first full season under their new boss.
Last week (27 April), Football Insider revealed that Eddie Howe has instructed Newcastle chiefs to prioritise three marquee deals this summer and has named his top targets.
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