Chelsea enter race to sign South American midfielder

Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the end of the season.

The west London giants bolstered their midfield with Enzo Fernandez last winter but they are expected to spend on another marquee signing.

Ugarte has been identified as the top target, according to Record and it is claimed that the Blues are ready to enter a bidding battle with Liverpool.

The Uruguayan star has already turned down a new contract with Sporting and he has made it clear that he would like to pursue a bigger challenge.

However, he is unlikely to come on the cheap for any suitor. Sporting are adamant that they won't sell for less than his €60 million release clause.

Ugarte has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the past but they are unlikely to meet the transfer demands of the Portuguese heavyweights.

The midfielder has his sights on playing Champions League football but the chance to play in the Premier League could be too good to snub.