Wolves are reportedly in talks with Sporting CP to sign midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Media Foot have claimed this afternoon that Jorge Mendes has opened negotiations with both Wanderers and Atletico Madrid – two clubs with whom he has very strong links with.
Julen Lopetegui is understood to be in the market for a new midfielder this month.
He’s got one deal done already for Matheus Cunha.
But the Spaniard is looking for another midfielder, a centre-half and possibly a new number two goalkeeper.
Ugarte – a full Uruguay international – has been with Sporting since the summer of 2021e joined. He joined them from fellow Portuguese side Farmalicao.
Prior to that, he played for Centro Atletico Fenix back in his homeland.
Media Foot are reporting the story because Ugarte has recently been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants have had success with the signing of Vitinha, and are again looking at players in Portugal.
Ugarte is primarily a defensive midfielder, best known for his ball-winning ability.
One fairly impressive fact about Ugarte is that in the Champions League so far this season, he has made more tackles per 90 (5.6) than any other player in the competition (WhoScored).
It is little wonder Diego Simeone is seemingly keen on his fellow countryman.
A detailed feature on Ugarte from a couple of years ago from Target Scouting suggests the youngster is a particularly good passer of the ball, and strong technically.
Manuel Ugarte to Wolves has a chance due to Jorge Mendes link and previous Matheus Nunes deal
There’s a reasonable chance Wolves could sign Ugarte this month.
Wolves did business with Sporting last summer over Nunes, with Mendes orchestrating things.
It’s possible Wanderers could raid the Portuguese outfit once again.
There’s no word on how much they would demand for him. But the player does have a £52m release clause according to WhoScored.
Given the outlay on Cunha, it would be a real surprise if Wolves paid anywhere near that kind of money.
And move for Ugarte would surely see Connor Ronan depart the club in some capacity.