Chelsea make Ugarte u-turn, PSG set to hijack

Chelsea are reportedly pulling out of the race for Manuel Ugarte despite being close to completing a move for the player, with PSG said to have swooped in with a superior offer. 

The 22-year-old Uruguayan has been on the radar of a number of clubs thanks to his performances for Sporting Lisbon.

The Blues were thought to be in pole position to land him; however, they are said to have backed out of the race.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported tonight that Chelsea have withdrawn from the race to sign the defensive midfielder. 

The London club were keen to land the player as a top summer recruitment to back new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Ugarte is a highly-rated talent and has been a subject of interest to a number of clubs, but the Blues seemingly led the race.  

However, they are now said to have backed out as Paris Saint-Germain are offering the player better terms than Chelsea are willing to match. 

According to the report, the Parisians are expected to complete the deal soon, having worked on things on the personal end. They are said to still be in negotiations with Sporting over a transfer fee, but they are now shoo-in to land the player.