Chelsea are reportedly set to hijack a possible move from Liverpool for Sporting Lisbon's Manuel Ugarte.
The combative midfielder has been one of the standouts in an overall underwhelming campaign for Sporting, who lie fourth in the Primeira Liga.
Ugarte has also become a regular for Uruguay recently, having been named in their World Cup squad, and played in both of March's international friendlies.
Football Insider claim Chelsea are now in a strong position to sign the Uruguayan midfielder, having sent scouts to watch him this season.
Ugarte has a contract that runs until 2026 in Lisbon, but it includes a £53m release clause which could be met by a Premier League club this summer.
Liverpool are said to be in the market for Ugarte, as their search for midfield reinforcements continues, while Newcastle United are also believed to have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old this season, meaning there could be a three-way battle for the midfielder's signature.
Andrew Delaney
