Newcastle United have been told they will have to pay Manuel Ugarte's €60m (£53m) release clause if they want to sign the Sporting midfielder this summer.

The Lowdown: Contact made

It was reported last week that Newcastle have 'made approaches' to enquire about the availability of Ugarte this summer, but Sporting are reluctant to sell.

They want to offer him fresh terms, and increase his release clause up to €80m (£71m).

The Latest: Sporting demand full clause

As per Portuguese news outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Sporting are 'not in the mood' to lower their asking price for Ugarte, and want the full current release clause paid, which is £53m.

They stress that he is an 'important player' for them, and are under no pressure to sell.

The Verdict: Worth it?

The St. James' Park outfit now have to weigh up whether paying £53m for Ugarte is worth it.

In the long-term, he is only 21 years of age, so still possesses high resale value, while his market value is continuing to rise.

Hailed as a 'midfield machine' by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Ugarte ranks in the 99th percentile of all midfielders outside Europe's top five leagues for average tackles and pass completion rate per game, as well as in the 98th for blocks and interceptions, and 96th for successful take-ons (FBRef).

The Uruguay international would be a stellar addition, but they would have to pay more than the £45m to buy Anthony Gordon from Everton in January in order to complete the move.