Liverpool 'set for talks with £52m rated Sporting defensive midfielder Ugarte'

Liverpool are reportedly the strongest candidates to sign Sporting Lisbon's defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The Reds could look to bolster their midfield with three additions in the next transfer window, with Jurgen Klopp looking to drastically improve this area of the pitch, given their struggles this season.

Portuguese outlet Record have claimed that the Reds are set for talks with Ugarte, who could be a cheaper alternative to other midfielders that they have been linked with.

The midfielder has a £52m release clause - something which Liverpool are ready to meet to bring him to the Premier League.

Though Sporting boss Ruben Amorim would like to retain the Uruguayan international, it's said that they are ready to negotiate with willing suitors for the player.

However, they could face competition for his signature with other Premier League clubs said to be interested in signing the 22-year-old.

The Reds are hoping to bring in a number of midfielders this summer.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all appear to be heading towards the exit, with Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho all in, or approaching their 30s.

Liverpool might have found one solution going forward, with Trent Alexander-Arnold playing in almost a false midfielder in recent weeks, drifting into the centre of the pitch and producing some great performances.

However, it's clear that Klopp's side need to bring in some new faces after slipping from title contenders to a side who are currently outsiders to make the top-four.

Ugarte is a physical  and tenacious midfielder who can either play in a defensive midfield or No 8 role.

He would likely provide competition for Fabinho and could be groomed to play that role for many years to come if he were to make the move.

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

Other midfielders the Reds have been linked with include Brighton pair Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch and Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella.

Liverpool ended their interest in Jude Bellingham after realising that his price tag, reportedly around £130m, was too much when the Reds needed to strengthen their squad with a number of players rather than spend all their money on one individual.