have made a breakthrough in their bid to complete ’s first signing as head coach.
The Blues are keen to bring in new midfielders and have now triggered Manuel Ugarte’s £52m release clause at Sporting Lisbon, according to in Portugal.
The Uruguay international is a top target in one of his first major decisions since becoming Blues boss.
Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be keen on Ugarte but the 22-year-old wants to test himself in the and looks set to move to Stamford Bridge.
Ugarte has impressed for Portuguese club Sporting this season across 47 appearances and he has eight caps for Uruguay.
He could soon be joined in west London by Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, as Pochettino prepares for the 2023-24 season.
Brighton have slapped a £80m price tag on Caicedo after he almost moved to the Emirates in January.
Should Chelsea be successful in their pursuit of both Ugarte and Caicedo it would cost the club £132m as the Blues continue to splash the cash under co-owner .
since the American replaced Roman Abramovich last summer.
Chelsea and are looking to offload a number of stars as part of another squad rebuild.
Mason Mount has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United amid a contract dispute at his boyhood club.
Chelsea reportedly want £80m for Mount which they could then use to bring in Caicedo if United are willing to pay that fee.
Brighton are keen to sign Levi Colwill from Chelsea which could help in the negotiations to bring Caicedo to Stamford Bridge.
