Newcastle are increasingly keen on Manuel Ugarte

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Newcastle United have been monitoring the progress of Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte according to reports in Portugal.

A report from Portuguese outlet Record (via SportsWitness) has claimed that Newcastle have a ‘growing interest’ in signing 21-year-old defensive midfielder, Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP.

It’s not the first time the midfield enforcer has been linked with Newcastle with reports coming out earlier this year that the Magpies were looking at the Uruguayan.

Ugarte has been listed as one of the most exciting players under 21

Ugarte has continued to impress for Sporting this season in his 39 appearances in all competitions and it looks like he’s being considered as a sacrifice by Sporting to generate revenue for transfers ahead of next season.

There is a £53million release clause in his contract, but Record think that Sporting may be willing to listen to offers below that in order to ensure a sale goes through.

ESPN recently named Ugarte on their list of the world’s most exciting youngsters saying: “He’s determined, hard-working and focused on improving the weaker aspects of his game. An irrepressible ball winner, he attempts a stunning seven tackles per 90 minutes (at a success rate of 55%) and swiftly looks to press opponents and close gaps.

“Technically he’s a master of the basics with tidy control, a solid short-to-long passing range and an absence of anything flashy. He is intelligent, often finding the right option after regaining possession, and plays to his strengths.”

Their claims are backed up by the fact that he was hailed as the best tackler across all three European competitions this season.

Newcastle are looking at Scott McTominay for a similar role

Newcastle are looking for a player like Ugarte. One that can do the boring stuff right in order to allow Bruno Guimaraes to roam free and pull the strings from midfield. Scott McTominay from Manchester United is a name that’s constantly linked for that kind of role, despite the Scotland international now finding himself playing further forward.

Personally I’d rather see us go for Ugarte. He’s younger and already as good, if not better than McTominay so under Eddie Howe‘s guidance, he could become world-class, leaping from that list of exciting youngsters into the higher echelons of world stars.