Chelsea weighing up deal for top Liverpool target?

Chelsea are ready to go head-to-head with Liverpool in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The Uruguayan has had an impressive season with Sporting in Portugal and he is now prepared to pursue a bigger challenge elsewhere.

Liverpool have already held talks with his entourage but Record claim that they are not alone with the Blues also showing an interest.

Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January but they are still eyeing another solid defensive midfielder in their squad.

Ugarte would be a brilliant signing for them. He has averaged nearly four tackles per game this term while winning over seven duels too.

Despite his robust playing style, Ugarte has completed an impressive 91 per cent of his passes and has got sent off on just one occasion.

Hence, he would be a quality acquisition for Chelsea as well as Liverpool, who could lure him with European football next season.

Sporting are prepared to sell him for his €60 million release clause.