Liverpool 'ready to submit bid' for Manuel Ugarte as release clause revealed

Liverpool are ready to submit a bid for Manuel Ugarte, according to reports.

Despite a recent run of wins, Liverpool have endured a topsy-turvy season plagued by poor form and several injury issues.

In turn, the club have been tipped to undergo a major summer rebuild, particularly in the midfield department, amid several outgoings.

Indeed, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all set to leave the Merseyside club at the end of the season upon the expiry of their contracts.

And while Liverpool shelved plans to sign Jude Bellingham when the market reopens, Jurgen Klopp’s men have been linked with several alternatives that are likely to improve the current crop.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolo Barella, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount are all thought to be of interest to the Reds this summer.

However, it seems as though there is a fresh name for Liverpool fans to consider.

Ugarte to Liverpool?

According to the Record, Liverpool are registering a growing interest in Sporting midfield Ugarte, whose release clause stands at £52.2million.

The 22-year-old has allegedly been on the Reds’ radar for some time and the Premier League giants are now ready to launch their first concrete bid for the player.

Ugarte has been one of the stars of Sporting’s title charge this term, having made 29 appearances in Liga Portugal. Moreover, the player has been capped eight times by the Uruguay national team.

Ugarte, who is under contract until 2026, is also represented by Jorge Mendes’ notorious Gestifute agency.

Indeed, they are responsible for guiding worldwide superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva and Liverpool players Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.