Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

After enduring a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, the Blues have already begun preparations for next season.

Mauricio Pochettino was recently appointed as head coach ahead of a busy summer window where there are expected to be a number of arrivals and departures.

The Chelsea midfield is set to be overhauled this summer, with Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount heading towards the exit door.

Manchester City are believed to be in talks over a move for Kovacic, while Mount continues to be linked with a transfer to Manchester United amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already begun the search for possible replacements, and Ugarte has been identified as a suitable target.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are progressing well in their pursuit of the Uruguayan, and they are confident of getting a deal over the line.

However, the two clubs still need to iron out the final details before Ugarte's Premier League move can be confirmed.

Chelsea are reportedly pushing to finalise negotiations, with a view to signing all the necessary paperwork next week.

In a separate report, Portuguese outlet Record has suggested that Chelsea have already agreed to sign the Uruguay international.

The West London club are set to splash out €60m (£51.7m) to sign the 22-year-old, and they will pay a further €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses if certain conditions are met.

Ugarte operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, and he will be able to provide vital protection to the Chelsea backline.

Since joining Sporting from Famalicao in the summer of 2021, Ugarte has gone on to make 85 competitive appearances, chipping in with one goal and three assists. body check tags ::