Bluebirds chase Ugarte
by Mark Buckingham - created on 18 May 2005
Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence has confirmed he wants to sign Wrexham hot shot Juan Ugarte.
The Spanish striker is coming to the end of his contract at The Racecourse Ground after scoring 22 goals since joining the club in November.
Wrexham boss Denis Smith has urged Ugarte to remain loyal to the club and pen a new deal, despite relegation to League Two.
But there are several clubs jostling to take Ugarte to The Championship, with Crewe Alexandra, Leeds United and Sheffield United all admirers.
The Bluebirds are also on Ugarte's trail, with Lawrence conceding the former Real Sociedad attacker is a more viable option than Yeovil Town ace Phil Jevons.
"We have an interest in Ugarte," said Lawrence. "He's different to what we've already got at the club.
"He's 24, he's a goalscorer and, most importantly, he's a free. I think there will be a lot of interest in him.
"Jevons is a talented boy. He did very well in League Two last season and he's going to cost money. Yeovil will want £200,000-£250,000 for him.
"But we know Ugarte has done it in the next division up and he's not going to cost money."
Lawrence has also been linked with a swoop for Bournemouth forward James Hayter but could face competition from promotion hopefuls Derby County.