Manuel Ugarte's agent has already 'confirmed' summer exit as Man Utd 'look to hijack Chelsea deal'

The agent of Sporting Lisbon star Manuel Ugarte has already stated his client is 'almost certain' to move clubs this summer amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Ugarte has been linked with a move away from Sporting for several months - and the club's manager, Ruben Amorim, stated that it would be difficult to keep the Uruguayan after their failure to reach the Champions League.

The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of Europe's elite through his star performances this season, although he was sent off in his only visit to England this season when Sporting took on Arsenal in the Europa League.

That is one of very few blots on Ugarte's copybook, however, and he could rival Bruno Fernandes as Sporting's club-record sale if he does depart this summer.

Fernandes' United are attempting to hijack Chelsea's move for the midfielder, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

Earlier this week, Sky Sports reported that the Uruguayan was a primary target for new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, and that the Blues were willing to pay the midfielder's €60 million release clause. Liverpool and PSG have previously been credited with an interest.

The player's agent has already given those clubs a positive boost that they could sign Ugarte this summer.

What has Ugarte's agent said?

Speaking to Portuguese outlet O Jogo earlier in May, Jorge Chijane said that a move for Ugarte would be imminent - and that superagent Jorge Mendes would assist in brokering a deal.

He explained (quotes via 90min): "It is almost certain that he will leave. I'll be in Lisbon soon.

"I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best businessman in the world. In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said: 'Your eyes are my eyes'.

"There is a lot of talk, but they [Liverpool] are not the only club, there are others. There's a lot of talk, but I'm still not sure about the club [he will join].

"There are many hypotheses on the table. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved."

Given Chijane's comments were made on May 11, the 15-day prediction has proven to be incorrect.

But this could still be a deal that is completed early on in the transfer window - and it appears that both United and Chelsea will do battle to sign Ugarte.

Topics: Chelsea, Manchester United, Sporting Lisbon, Premier League, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.