Chelsea Director Joe Shields appears to be closing in on his first signing for Mauricio Pochettino – Manuel Ugarte.
An update from journalist Franco Fernandez on Twitter stated that the 22-year-old is close to joining Chelsea after agreeing a six-year contract with the Blues, as he wants a move to the Premier League.
Now – after Manuel Ugarte posted on Instagram – it has become apparent that Joe Shields is certainly keeping a close eye on him.
What’s the story?
Well, Shields, who works as Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent at Stamford Bridge, was seen to have liked Ugarte’s latest Instagram post as speculation about a move to west London intensifies.
It comes after the 36-year-old also posted a couple of applauding emojis onto Moises Caicedo’s Instagram live following Brighton’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Wednesday, a result which secured the Seagulls a place in next season’s Europa League.
Clearly, Shields is keen to make an impression on Chelsea’s younger transfer targets this summer by taking an interest in their social media, which the youth of today – especially in football – take quite seriously.
Chelsea facing PSG battle for Manuel Ugarte
While Chelsea seem to have the advantage in the race to sign Ugarte, as he wants to play Premier League football, it appears PSG are not giving up.
A story from Portuguese news outlet Record claimed that the French giants had agreed to pay the Uruguay international’s €60m (£52m) release clause and are making a real push for his signature.
Chelsea are also willing to stump up the cash, so the decision is now down to Ugarte himself as Sporting CP prepare to lose their No.15 this summer.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as it sounds like the South American has chosen Chelsea if the aforementioned Fernandez is to be trusted as a source.
