Liverpool ‘alerted to sanctions’ as Sporting rage at Reds over Manuel Ugarte

Klopp insists Liverpool can attract top targets without Champions League football

Liverpool have reportedly been warned by Sporting that sanctions could be imposed on them for speaking to Manuel Ugarte amid claims that a move to Anfield for the midfielder is only a matter of time. The Reds are thought to be keen on improving their options in the engine room over the coming weeks and months and have reportedly taken a liking to Ugarte, who has made 45 appearances in all competitions for Sporting over the course of this season.

The 22-year-old is said to have been identified as a priority target by those in power on Merseyside, while Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has already refused to offer any assurances over Ugarte’s long-term future at Sporting when quizzed on the topic by reporters. He said earlier this month: “I read in the newspaper he was already sold. Let’s see what happens in the future.”

It seems as though Amorim’s recent comments have done little to please his superiors at Sporting, with club president Federico Varandas having banned all transfer conversations with Ugarte until the season draws to a close, according to Correio de Manha. It is also claimed that Sporting have alerted Liverpool that sanctions could follow if they continue to speak to the player and his representatives before the transfer window re-opens in mid-June.

However, it is said that a summer move to Anfield for Ugarte remains firmly on the cards in spite of Sporting’s protests, with his agent Jorge Chijane having confirmed Liverpool’s interest in securing the services of his client earlier in the week. Jorge Mendes will also reportedly be involved in the deal, which could be wrapped up in the next two weeks if things go smoothly behind closed doors.

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“There is a lot of talk [about Liverpool] but it is not the only club, there are others,” said Chijane. “There is much talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table. It’s almost certain that he won’t stay, it’s sure he’ll leave. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved.”

Sporting have made it clear that Ugarte will only be sold for the full value of his release clause, which is said to be around £52million, and it seems clear that Liverpool will have no qualms about paying the required fee given the intensity of their pursuit over the last few weeks. However, it remains to be seen whether Sporting’s angry response will risk holding up the move in the coming days or if any sanctions will eventually be handed down to the Reds by UEFA for speaking to the player outside of the transfer window.

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Liverpool could be faced with a dilemma in terms of their summer recruitment strategy if they fail to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, with the absence of Champions League football able to have a detrimental effect on their hopes of signing their top targets in the near future. However, it was revealed by Klopp on Friday that he is not overly concerned about the possibility of being beaten to deals by the club’s divisional rivals over the next few months in spite of the current situation at Anfield.

“When I talk to a player, if I’m allowed which is barely the case, you can realise if they are interested,” he said. “We are not 100 per cent in the Champions League next season and they would know that.

“It’s one thing we can’t guarantee next year but everything else is the same. It is a fantastic football club. We are still Liverpool and very attractive for a lot of players. I am not concerned about that. Of course it is more difficult without Champions League.”

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