Leeds scouts impressed by £53m Tottenham target after starring in North London

Portuguese outlet O Jogo claim Leeds United scouts were in attendance to watch Sporting Lisbon star Manuel Ugarte during his side’s Europa League triumph over Arsenal – but so were four other Premier League clubs.

Ugarte, 21, has been a crucial part of Ruben Amorim’s success at Sporting, helping the Portuguese side win the League title last term. Sporting are well within a chance of achieving Europa League glory this time around.

He was part of the side that knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League on penalties, even though he was sent off for a second yellow card in extra time against the Gunners. Leeds scouts watched him do that, but were impressed.

Indeed, so were a number of other Premier League clubs. Tottenham, Villa, Wolves and Newcastle are also said to be looking at the seven-time Uruguay ace. It is unclear how much Sporting want, but he has a £53m release clause.

Leeds scouts watched Sporting star Manuel Ugarte in Arsenal triumph
Oh, how Leeds could do with Ugarte right now. Tyler Adams has been ruled out for a lengthy period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his hamstring. Marc Roca and Weston McKennie will start when Leeds take on Arsenal.

But once again, depth is lacking in the middle of the park. Behind the duo, Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw remain injured. Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi are options, but have three senior Leeds outings between them. Rookies.

So, clearly, there is need for a central midfielder and Ugarte would be a superb signing. A player that is renowned for his hard work, doing the nasty side of the game; blocks, tackles, interceptions, clever fouls. Expensive, though.

If Sporting want as much as £53m, then Leeds are almost completely ruled out – with the likes of Spurs, Newcastle and even Villa able to afford such a transfer. However, if Leeds can negotiate them down, perhaps he could join.