The midfield department of the Newcastle squad needs quality additions this summer. British source claim that Newcastle United are eyeing move for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The Uruguay international was signed by Sporting in 2021 from Famalicão for a fee of 6.5 million euros. He has a contract until 2026 with the club.

The midfielder has featured in 29 matches this term in all competitions.

He has long been touted as one of Uruguay’s most promising young talents. Ugarte has earned 6 senior caps for the Uruguay national team but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation.

His impressive performances this season have apparently caught the eye of some of Europe’s big clubs.

Adding a midfielder remains Newcastle’s top priority this summer and Eddie Howe will have drafted a shortlist of a number of possible targets he could approach in the coming months. Manuel Ugarte has been identified as one of the key targets to improve their midfield department.

Someone with Manuel Ugarte’s skillset will undoubtedly add more quality to Eddie Howe‘s midfield. His arrival would give Newcastle United some much needed tactical flexibility.

World Football Rumours

According to the report, “Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Record says the Portuguese side are hoping to keep the combative midfielder at José Alvalade Stadium beyond the summer, with the Magpies considering a move. The 21-year-old has ‘caught the eye’ of a number of clubs this season, with Eddie Howe’s side said to be among those interested. Sporting are in talks to offer the midfielder a new deal. However, with a reported release clause of €71million suggested in those talks over a new deal, Ugarte is said to not be keen on such a high asking price. The Uruguayan is keen on a new deal with talks set to continue.”

Sporting are reluctant to let Manuel Ugarte go, but a big enough bid could persuade them to sell.

The Magpies might have to pay over the odds to sign the midfielder.

Good signing for Newcastle United?

If Newcastle and Eddie Howe are seriously considering a midfielder, Ugarte could also prove to be a smart option.

Manuel Ugarte has all the skillset required to be a success story at St. James’ Park. Therefore, it makes sense for Eddie Howe to step up his attempts to bring the Uruguayan midfielder to Premier League side.

It will be interesting to see whether Newcastle will make their move during the summer transfer window.

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Should Newcastle United sign Manuel Ugarte?