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Leeds United has reached out to Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder at Sporting CP, about a potential summer transfer.
What’s the latest Elland Road transfer news?
Leeds United are currently fighting to stay in the Premier League, trying to avoid relegation by sitting just two points above the drop zone with seven games left.
Despite this, the club is reportedly preparing for the summer transfer window, with promising Barcelona teenager Ilias Akhomach set to move to Yorkshire.
Looking to strengthen their midfield, Ugarte is currently Leeds United’s top target. If things go well in the coming weeks, the target for reinforcements would be met.
Sport Witness has reported Leeds’s interest in Ugarte. According to the site, the Whites, assisted by new owners 49ers Enterprises after the transfer window, are interested in Ugarte, and they have been in contact with his representatives.
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder boasts a €25m Transfermarkt valuation, with a release clause of €60m which would break the current transfer record in Yorkshire. Sporting CP would ideally set the amount at €80m.
Who is Manuel Ugarte and who could he replace at Leeds?
Ugarte is primarily a defensive midfielder, but he can also perform as a central midfielder. He has been praised as a “midfield machine” by football scout Jacek Kulig and, having played 41 games this season, looks to be at the top of his game.
An Uruguay international, Ugarte could fill a void left in Leeds’s midfield. Adam Forshaw’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and Weston McKennie, who is currently on loan, is likely to return to Juventus. With these departures imminent, Ugarte would provide competent backup to Tyler Adams and Marc Roca.
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