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Manuel Ugarte is set to become Chelsea’s first summer signing after agreeing a six-year contract.
The Blues endured a dismal season despite splashing the cash over the last two windows and are yet to confirm who will be in the dugout next campaign.
But according to reports in Uruguay, Todd Boehly is pressing ahead with his plans and has agreed to meet the defensive midfielder’s £52million release clause.
Liverpool have also been strongly linked with the eight-cap Uruguayan international, 22, and could yet pip their rivals as Jurgen Klopp masterminds a midfield revamp.
Ugarte’s agent has revealed that he expects his client to be on the move when the window opens but remained tight-lipped about his potential destination.
Chelsea already shelled out over £100m to sign Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez after his superb World Cup and could potentially partner the young playmakers together for years to come.
Mason Mount’s future at Stamford Bridge is up in the air after talks over a new contract stalled, while N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have also been linked with exits.
Striker is another issue for the Blues, with Italian media suggesting that Mauricio Pochettino could give Inter Milan loanee Romelu Lukaku a chance to impress should he take over.
In other news
Real Madrid will pay £87m for Jude Bellingham with another £21m in potential add-ons, according to The Mirror.
The same outlet claim that Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle are keen on Wolves striker Hee-Chan Hwang.
Football Insider believe that Liverpool have entered the race for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who has drawn interest from Barcelona.
