Liverpool is prepared to exercise the midfielder's release clause and is prepared to "go to war" with Chelsea over the €40 million star.
According to reports, Liverpool is'ready' to join Ligue 1 powerhouse PSG in triggering Manuel Ugarte's release clause in an effort to lure him away from Sporting Lisbon.
Before the summer transfer window opens, the Reds are linked with a number of midfielders.
After James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain's contracts expire and they are no longer required, it is anticipated that they would sign two or three new players to fill that position.
Liverpool is most likely to bring in a holding midfielder and an attacker. They have choices including Matheus Nunes of Wolves, Mason Mount of Chelsea, and Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton.
In recent months, Ugarte has also been a potential target. The defensive midfielder has matured this year after playing 47 appearances for Sporting Lisbon in all competitions.
His contract, which is valid until 2026, is thought to contain a €60 million release clause. It was stated earlier this week that PSG 'will trigger' this buy-out option this summer.
However, there will be opposition for the French team in the race for Ugarte. According to Le Parisien (via Sport Witness), Liverpool is "ready to put €60 million on the table as well."
According to the article, Chelsea would 'want' to exercise Ugarte's release clause before it is too late.
Romeo Lavia is also rumoured to be moving to Anfield in the wake of Southampton's relegation as Liverpool keeps their options open going into this summer. Lavia has been one of the Saints' more reliable players despite their disappointing season.
Liverpool and Chelsea, according to the Spanish publication Fichajes, are "ready to go to war over Lavia."
This summer, Southampton "will ask for roughly 40 million euros" sell their greatest possession. The midfielder is available for Man City to "match any offer for," but "everything indicates that Pep Guardiola has no interest" in bringing him back.
However, Lavia has "great potential" and "Liverpool and Chelsea believe that he can contribute greatly to their respective teams," respectively.
John Barnes, a former player for Liverpool, is "open" to Lavia being acquired by his old team.
Naturally, Southampton was demoted, and their defenders and defensive midfielders faced a lot of strain. Barnes told Futfanatico, "To be honest, if any Southampton player were so good, they wouldn't have been demoted.
Lavia is a good player, but from a personal standpoint, he might be a player Liverpool is interested in. I'm currently open to playing with any Liverpool defensive midfielder.
Barnes continued, "Ruben Neves is a wonderful midfielder, but Liverpool needs defensive midfielders like Caicedo or Bellingham, in my opinion. This is what they require.
But he is a capable defender who can drop down between the back four and is a good midfielder. He is excellent when the team is in position, making him the perfect midfielder for us.
