Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months, and the latest name linked with a move to the London club is that of Manuel Ugarte.
According to a report from the Portuguese publication Record, the 21-year-old midfielder is being looked at by the Premier League club.
However, he has a release close of €60 million and it seems highly unlikely that Daniel Levy will pay that kind of money for the youngster.
Ugarte did well against Tottenham in the Champions League group stages and he could prove to be a quality, long-term addition to the side. However, Spurs already have enough depth in the defensive midfield position, and they should look to move for a creative midfielder instead.
Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon are hoping to agree on a new deal with Ugarte, which would increase his release clause up to €80 million.
It seems that the Portuguese club are determined to hold on to him for the long run and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Ugarte is unlikely to get regular game time at Tottenham, even if the move goes through, and therefore, the transfer would make no sense for him. The 21-year-old is a prodigious talent who needs to play regularly in order to fulfil his potential, and he should look to stay at the Portuguese club until he is ready to start for a top club in the Premier League.