Wolves are said to be one of the most interested teams in Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
According to SPORT, Wanderers are very keen on the 21-year-old Uruguay international, who’s been enjoying a fantastic season over in Portugal.
Ugarte, a defensive midfielder, has been an ever-present for Ruben Amorim’s side this season.
According to SPORT, he has actually played the most minutes out of any U23s player in Europe this season.
Ugarte has regularly stood out for Sporting.
He plays just in front of the defence, operating as a deep-lying playmaker.
He has a fantastic passing range and rarely gives the ball away.
But he isn’t just good on the ball – he also gets through a lot of dirty work by tackling, hassling and intercepting.
SPORT reporting on Ugarte is because Barcelona are apparently also interested in him. The Spanish giants are looking to find a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
But they state Wolves are actually one of the most interested teams in Ugarte.
They mention that Ruben Neves has been linked with Barca, even though he is apparently not Xavi’s top choice.
It is suggested that Wolves may see Ugarte as a replacement for Neves, who is expected to leave Molineux this summer.
The Portuguese will only have a year left on his contract, and many expected him to go last summer.
Manuel Ugarte would be an amazing signing for Wolves
Wolves are going to be hit very hard when Neves leaves, there is no denying that.
But the club moving for Ugarte as his replacement would be a very good decision.
The youngster really does look like he’s be a brilliant natural replacement for Neves in that he’s a great playmaker and also a workhorse.
Wolves and Sporting have a good relationship following the Matheus Nunes deal. So there could be a chance to do business again this summer. The player has a reported £53 million release clause, but there may be room for negotiation.
SPORT say in their report that Jorge Mendes is the player’s agent, which surely makes the player moving to Wolves more of a possibility.