Newcastle transfer news: Sporting set asking price for Manuel Ugarte

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Newcastle United are going to sign a midfielder during the summer transfer window, and have been linked with Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte.

The 21-year-old is a rumoured target for the Magpies, with Eddie Howe in desperate need of reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Sporting Director Dan Ashworth tried to bring someone in during the January transfer window, but was unable to. There were plenty of players linked, but Newcastle actually ended the month with fewer midfield options.

Jonjo Shelvey’s injury then departure highlighted the lack of depth, and it is essential that we sign a centre-midfielder at the end of the season.

Howe is keen to bring in someone who can play the number six role, as it would allow Bruno Guimaraes to operate higher up the pitch.

Uruguay international Ugarte ticks that box, but it looks like he will be an expensive option for the Magpies.

Sporting CP tell Newcastle they want £53m for Manuel Ugarte

It was recently reported by Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness) that Newcastle are looking to sign Ugarte during the summer.

Now O Jogo have provided some more information on how much the youngster will cost. They state that Sporting have no interest in letting Ugarte leave on the cheap, and will demand that his release clause is paid in full.

That means that he will currently cost £53million. However, that price may even increase further before the summer transfer window.

That is because Record believe Sporting are looking to hand Ugarte a new contract that would include an even bigger release clause worth £71million. A deal worth that amount would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

Whether it’s £53million or £71million, Ugarte is not going to come cheap. That is a testament to his performances in Portugal, where he is one of Sporting’s top players.

He has been able to replace Joao Palhinha in Lisbon, who has been one of the Premier League’s signings of the season with Fulham.

Newcastle are looking for a defensive presence in midfield. They want someone who can protect the back four, but is also capable of progressing the ball up the pitch with his passing range.

Ugarte can certainly do that, but it will be up to Newcastle to decide whether or not they think he is worth so much money.