Liverpool's Champions League failure could affect transfer pursuit after manager makes admission

Liverpool may have been handed a blow in their reported pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte after an admission from his club manager, Ruben Amorim.

The Reds are said to hold an interest in the Uruguayan midfielder, with Portuguese outlet Record (via Paisley Gates) claiming that Liverpool were readying a bid for the player earlier this month.

However, Sky Sports reported on Monday that Chelsea were preparing an offer for the 22-year-old following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as manager, which was confirmed earlier in the day.

The Blues are said to have held talks with Sporting over the Uruguayan midfielder, although it is unclear whether a formal bid has been made at this stage. PSG also hold an interest in Ugarte.

But while the presence of two fellow European powerhouses could affect Liverpool's chances of signing the midfielder, they have also been handed a fresh blow courtesy of Amorim.

Amorim sends Ugarte message

Sporting failed to qualify for next season's Champions League via Liga Portugal, finishing in fourth position behind Benfica, Porto and Braga.

They will, therefore, only have the opportunity to play Europa League football, repeating their achievement from the previous season.

Sporting progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition in 2022/23, defeating Arsenal over two legs on penalties at the round of 16 stage.

However, Amorim admitted that playing in the Europa League may not be enough to convince Ugarte to stay.

He told Portuguese outlet O Jogo: "I cannot comment on this issue [Ugarte's future], because it is beyond me. Now, we know that is difficult to keep players like Ugarte.

"Not just one club is interested, but several. Our objective is sell, knowing that we missed the Champions League and it makes everything more difficult. I know what I want for the team and I have already conveyed that to the management."

Those comments may come as a big blow to Liverpool, who are not in the Champions League next season either. Jurgen Klopp's side will play in the Europa League after finishing in a disappointing fifth place in the Premier League table.