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Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for an experienced international, who is thought to be surplus to requirements at Man United, but they face competition from Newcastle.
Spurs’ midfield department may need plenty of surgery this summer as Roberto De Zerbi looks set to undertake a rebuild of the Tottenham squad ahead of his first full season in charge.
According to reports, De Zerbi has already had conversations with the Spurs hierarchy regarding midfield targets, with the Italian targeting experienced performers.
One Man United star is in Tottenham’s sights ahead of the summer, but the Lilywhites have just found out that they will not have a straight run at the player.
Newcastle United could challenge Tottenham for Manuel Ugarte
Over recent weeks, it has been reported that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Manuel Ugarte, who has found game time hard to come by at Old Trafford.
According to some sources, Spurs can land the Uruguay international for £35m this summer, but transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has now revealed that Newcastle have had their eye on the 24-year-old for a long time.
When asked where Ugarte may end up this summer, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “I think they (Newcastle) have had a long-term interest in Ugarte. They looked at him when he was at Sporting Lisbon, but the last couple of moves haven’t worked out for Ugarte.
“First of all at PSG, and now at Man United, he has been a bit underwhelming. He’s fallen out of favour this season under Michael Carrick. He’s started just seven games in the Premier League, so he’s struggled to have the desired impact that many expected.”
Why Newcastle may have the upper hand over Spurs in Ugarte race
Tottenham’s current predicament in the Premier League may mean that they are not seen as an attractive destination by top-class players in the summer, but there may be another reason why the Magpies have the upper hand in the race for Ugarte.
Football Insider reveals that United are prioritising a move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali in the summer as they look set to miss out on Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
It is suggested that the Red Devils could use Newcastle’s interest in Ugarte to further a move for Tonali, with a part-exchange deal potentially on the cards.
That may mean that Eddie Howe’s men could have the upper hand over Tottenham Hotspur in any negotiations for the former PSG star.
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