Liverpool decide against move for talented youngster

Liverpool will be looking to continue their quest for Champions League qualification by beating Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday. 

The Reds looked almost certain to miss out on a place in the top four a couple of months ago, but a run of seven consecutive league victories has seen them sitting fifth in the table, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are relying on either the Red Devils or Newcastle United to slip up in the remaining matches, but the Reds will likely be ready to pounce on a top four spot if the opportunity arises.

Klopp will likely want to bolster his squad this summer after a disappointing campaign, but it appears that Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign one of Europe’s most talented youngsters.

As per Football Insider, the Merseyside outfit will not pursue a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The report claims that, while Liverpool had been heavily linked with a move for the player in recent months, they currently have no plans to make an offer.

Ugarte, 22, has been in fine form for the Portuguese side so far this term, making 46 appearances across all competitions.

Ugarte isn’t believed to be a target for Liverpool at present

He is expected to leave Sporting at the end of the current season, although his current contract ins’t set to expire until the summer of 2026 which puts his current employers in a commanding position.

In total, Ugarte has made 84 senior appearances for Sporting, having joined from fellow Portuguese side Famalicao in 2021.

Despite Liverpool reportedly deciding against a move for the player, it is claimed that Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa do hold an interest in Ugarte, and could therefore make a move for him this summer.

The midfielder, who made his senior debut for Uruguay in September 2021, has replaced Joao Palhinha in the Sporting midfield, with the former having joined Fulham.