"He'll leave..." - Manuel Ugarte's agent sets timeframe for Liverpool transfer as summer move confirmed

The agent of one of Liverpool’s primary midfield targets has set a timeframe for a summer move to go through.

Despite a late upturn in form, Liverpool have endured a topsy-turvy season plagued by injury issues and poor form.

In turn, the Reds have been tipped to undergo a major squad rebuild this summer. The midfield in particular needs rejuvenation, amid the expected departures of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner at the end of the season upon the expiry of their contracts.

And while Liverpool have shelved plans to bring in Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham when the market reopens, Jurgen Klopp’s men have been linked with a swathe of midfielders ahead of the summer window.

Liverpool have allegedly been exploring deals for the likes of Nicolo Barella, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount.

And another player said to have piqued the club’s interest is Manuel Ugarte, and the Uruguay international’s agent now set a timeframe for his client’s transfer.

Ugarte to Liverpool?

According to the Record, Liverpool are registering a growing interest in Ugarte, with the Sporting midfielder’s release clause standing at £52.2million.

And Ugarte’s agent Jorge Chijane has now insisted the 22-year-old will secure a transfer this summer, and that his future could be resolved within 15 days.

When specifically asked about the possibility of the Uruguay international moving to Anfield, Chijane told O Jogo: “Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others.

“There is much talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table.

“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay, it’s sure he’ll leave. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved.

“Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best agent in the world. In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said to me: ‘Your eyes are my eyes’.”

Ugarte has been one of the stars of Sporting’s title charge this term, having made 29 appearances in Liga Portugal.