Liverpool have made the “first proposal” to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to Record.

The Uruguayan has also been linked with Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks but it appears the Reds are keen to beat their rivals to the player’s signature.

Ugarte reportedly has a €60m (£52m) release clause but, from the sound of things, the Merseyside club won’t look to trigger it straight away.

The 22-year-old is a traditional no.6, known mostly for breaking up play and picking up yellow cards. However, he rarely gives away possession and he is capable of receiving the ball in tight areas and offloading it to a teammate.

If Liverpool are making Ugarte a priority target, as the Portuguese media seem to be suggesting, it could mean the writing is on the wall for Fabinho. The Brazilian’s form has dropped off a cliff this campaign, and it appears a replacement could be inbound.