Man Utd enter race to sign top Chelsea target

Manchester United have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The Red Devils are looking to bolster their midfield department and Mason Mount has been regularly linked in recent days.

However, A Bola claim that they have entered the pursuit of Ugarte, who has been identified as a top target for the Blues.

The Blues recently appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager and he has urged the hierarchy to pursue Ugarte.

United could hamper their chances of signing him with a better proposal.

The Red Devils are ready to offer a big-money contract to Ugarte unlike Chelsea, who can't afford to do so at the moment.

The Blues have spent £600m in the last year and they need to balance their books before they can offer a lucrative salary.

Meanwhile, qualification for the Champions League is set to provide another boost for United in signing the midfielder.

Sporting are ready to sell Ugarte for his €60m release clause.