CHELSEA have pulled out of the race to sign Sporting Lisbon star Manuel Ugarte, according to reports.
The Blues had been jostling with Paris Saint-Germain for the midfield ace.
Manuel Ugarte had been Chelsea’s top midfield target
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had reportedly made the Uruguayan a priority signing this summer.
But they appear to have been beaten to the punch by Pochettino’s former team.
According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea felt they had made a “competitive” bid for Ugarte.
But PSG have offered his full £52million release clause – something the West Londoners were unwilling to do.
Despite previous transfer splurges since their takeover last year, the Blues didn’t want to go above what they felt was “market value” on this occasion.
With PSG having offered a lucrative salary package, the 22-year-old appears destined for Parc des Princes.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea will now turn to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia instead.
Brighton star Caicedo was a big target of Arsenal’s in the January window, although the Seagulls refused to budge.
Moises Caicedo is on Chelsea’s radar
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The 21-year-old is expected to depart this summer, however, and the Blues could rival the Gunners for his signature.
Lavia, meanwhile, was subject to interest from Chelsea last summer – just a few months after joining Southampton.
Following the Saints’ Prem relegation his signature could be more easily attainable on this occasion.
Romeo Lavia was relegated with Saints this season
