Manuel Ugarte: Chelsea Reportedly Close to Sealing First Transfer for Pochettino

• Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a transfer deal with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of Manuel Ugarte
• Ugarte has courted interest across Europe this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also linked with the midfielder
• The Sporting Lisbon ace is wanted at Stamford Bridge to partner Enzo Fernandez in the midfield

Chelsea are reportedly inching closer to sealing the first summer transfer under Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

Reports claim the Blues are a few steps away from signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte after agreeing to pay his release clause.

Ugarte is currently the hottest prospect in Europe after impressing with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon this season.

According to The Sun, Paris Saint-Germain are the other top European team interested in signing the highly-rated midfielder.

However, the publication claims Chelsea have taken a significant step towards signing him and are in a pole position to beat PSG to his signature.

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Chelsea close to sealing Ugarte deal

The same has been reported by Portuguese outlet Record, who claim that the deal "is closed", with Ugarte favouring a move to the Premier League over France.

It is believed that the deal was agreed after two weeks of "intense" meetings, which saw Ugarte show a desire to 'play against top teams like Man City.'

Be that as it may, it has further been claimed that the deal is not done as there are a few details still pending before an official move happens.

Should the transfer see the light of day, Ugarte could become Chelsea's first signing under Pochettino's era.

Pochettino was recently named the Blues' new boss, replacing Graham Potter, who was sacked back in February.

Kante drops hint on Chelsea future

Earlier, Sports Brief reported N'Golo Kante has made a decision over his Chelsea future amid speculation he could depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

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The Frenchman's current deal with the Blues is set to expire this summer, with his contract situation sparking fears he could leave the club for free.

While reports claim that Barcelona and Arsenal are keen to land the services of the World Cup-winning star, the midfielder has come out to make it clear he wants to continue at Chelsea.