Chelsea 'absolutely' in race for Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte - Fabrizio Romano (reliability: 5 stars)

Transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are 'absolutely' in the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The Uruguayan midfielder has a €60m release clause in his contract with the Portuguese club.

Paris Saint-Germain are another club trying to sign Ugarte. They have reportedly submitted a first bid which suggests paying out the fee in instalments.

This is also likely to be Chelsea's plan, although they are yet to make an official offer for the player.

Ugarte is a defensive midfielder who focuses on obstructing opposition moves rather than passing out from the deep. This is claimed to be the profile of a player wanted by incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.