"Very concrete possibility..." - Fabrizio Romano drops update over Liverpool target Manuel Ugarte as talks confirmed

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Liverpool target Manuel Ugarte.

The Sporting midfielder is one of several names that has been linked to the Anfield club, as Jurgen Klopp plots a major squad rebuild this summer.

Last week Portuguese outlet Record claimed Anfield chiefs were set for talks with Ugarte, who could be a cheaper alternative to the club's other midfield targets.

The Uruguay international has a £52million release clause, which Liverpool are allegedly ready to meet. Moreover, while Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is keen to retain Ugarte, the Liga Portugal outfit are allegedly open to negotiating with willing suitors.

Ugarte to Liverpool?

Transfer guru Romano has provided an update on Ugarte's future.

The Italian journalist tweeted: "Jorge Mendes is taking care of Manuel Ugarte’s future. Talks will continue with Premier League clubs ahead of summer move, very concrete possibility.

"There’s interest from 3 PL clubs but no agreement with any team yet. The race is open.

"Release clause: €60m."

Klopp's side need to bring in some new faces after slipping from title contenders to a side currently outsiders to make the top four.

And the midfield in particular needs addressing, given the expected exits of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita upon the expiry of their contracts.

Ugarte joined Sporting for just over £5million in the summer of 2021 and has since made 83 appearances for the Portuguese giants, while he also has eight caps for Uruguay.

Elsewhere the Reds have been linked with a slew of midfield targets, including Brighton pair Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch and Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella.

Liverpool's primary target had been Jude Bellingham, however the club cooled their interest given the transfer fee Borussia Dortmund are likely to demand.