By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

29th May, 2023 | 8:00pm

Revealed: Chelsea finalise Manuel Ugarte deal as terms agreed - sources

Chelsea are in the driving seat to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte with personal terms now verbally agreed, sources have told Football Insider.

The Uruguay international, 22, is keen to join the Blues as he has a major desire to play in the Premier League and is excited by the Mauricio Pochettino project.

It is believed that Paris Saint-Germain are still keen to land Ugarte, but understand they are losing the race to Chelsea and have begun laying the groundwork with other targets.

Chelsea have scouted Ugarte on multiple occasions this season and he is a key target for new manager Pochettino this summer – with club chiefs now pushing on to get a deal done.

The Blues will pay the midfielder’s £52million release clause – although it is believed that Chelsea want to strike a structured deal with Sporting.

Ugarte made a total of 47 club appearances this season, playing 3574 minutes of football and contributing one assist.

He has also been capped eight times by Uruguay at senior level.

Like most clubs, the Blues have begun their work for the upcoming summer transfer window – with a deal for Ugarte progressing and talks with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia also a focus for the club.

Chelsea have a huge off-season ahead, with massive movement in and out of the club expected should all go to plan for Pochettino and his recruitment team.

The former Tottenham boss is set to officially start as the club’s new manager on 1 July but it is believed he is keen to secure his summer targets as early as possible.

In other news, Brighton exploring permanent deal for Levi Colwill as talks scheduled