By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

18th May, 2023 | 6:30am

Sources: Major update on Liverpool potentially signing Manuel Ugarte

Liverpool are not in the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The highly-rated 22-year-old is expected to leave Portugal at the end of this season, with the Premier League considered his most likely destination.

But, while the Reds are among the clubs to have been most regularly linked with Ugarte, Football Insider understands that they have no plans to make a move.

That could leave Tottenham and Aston Villa, who have also been credited with a strong interest in the Uruguayan, to battle it out for his signature.

Ugarte has made 84 appearances for Sporting since arriving from Famalicao in August 2021 as a replacement for Fulham-bound Joao Palhinha.

He has also earned eight caps for the Uruguay national team in that time.

The player’s agent, Jorge Chijane, recently stated that his client is in line for a move this summer, telling O Jogo: “It’s almost certain that he won’t stay. It’s sure he’ll leave.

“Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best businessman in the world. In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said to me: ‘Your eyes are my eyes’.”

But he refused to be drawn specifically on rumours of Liverpool interest, adding: “There is a lot of talk, but there is not only one club, there are others. I am still not sure about which club [he’ll sign for].

“There are many hypotheses on the table. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved.”

Liverpool’s focus ahead of the summer remains on recruiting Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, with firm moves for both expected early in the window.

The Reds would also be prepared to swoop for Ryan Gravenberch should Bayern Munich show any willingness to sell.

In other news, huge Firmino development at Liverpool.