Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who has been linked to Tottenham, is Wolves’ first choice to replace Ruben Neves, whom Liverpool is interested in signing
It has been stated that Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who has been linked to Tottenham, is Wolves’ first choice to replace Ruben Neves, whom Liverpool is interested in signing.
The Mirror claims that Liverpool are after the former FC Porto maestro Neves, while Sport reports that Wolves see the Uruguayan international as the “ideal” replacement to the 25-year-old midfielder.
Wolves are no strangers to the Portuguese market; Julen Lopetegui’s team has successfully imported a number of players from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League in the past, and Ugarte might be the next success story, but competition from Tottenham is a possibility.
Reports from Record suggest that the north London club is interested in acquiring the 21-year-old, who has a release clause of €60m (£53m) and might leave Sporting this summer. Wolves might have a shot at signing Ugarte if Neves goes for a significant amount of money this summer, according to this clause.
True, Wolves have already spent heavily on Sporting players in the recent year, with the club record purchase of Matheus Nunes in the summer, but the West Midlands side might already top this number with a bid for Ugarte if they can beat Tottenham to the punch.
Despite having a forgettable season, Wolves will always be favored in these kind of contests because of their connection to the Portuguese market. With Neves now at Liverpool, Tottenham may have to settle for second place in the Premier League instead of Ugarte.
After six amazing years with Wolves, Neves’ future seems to lie elsewhere, and if the Portuguese international leaves for a large quantity of money in the summer transfer window, Lopetegui will have to make a bid to get Ugarte. Wolves have the clout and history to be an excellent home for the Uruguayan superstar, and Lopetegui is a manager whose style of play may complement that of Ugarte and Nunes. But, interest from Tottenham could complicate a deal.
