Bruno Fernandes agent to deliver next Sporting superstar as Ten Hag settles on £45m Maguire upgrade
Manchester United are reportedly in contact with Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio’s agent over a possible summer swoop – and they may have an ace up their sleeve in securing the Portuguese star’s services.
Erik ten Hag has enjoyed great success in his first season at the helm of Old Trafford. Having already won the Carabao Cup, the club could have more victories in the FA Cup, where they face city rivals Manchester City. By that game, United are also hoping to have repelled Liverpool’s challenge for a top-four finish.
Part of Ten Hag’s success this season has come from finding a solid central defence. To this end, both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have firmly established themselves as preferred partners. This has meant that the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have had to settle for reduced roles.
However, Maguire could see his time at the club coming to an end this summer. And while the player is reportedly determined to stay and fight for his place, his position as the club’s captain means a departure is likely.
But if the Englishman leaves, Ten Hag will certainly look to add more cover and competition to the defence. In fact, with this first-choice pair currently on hiatus, that need has never been more apparent.
As a result, the United manager is reportedly hot on the heels of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.
CONTINUE READING: Guardiola tipped to ax the Man City star and bring in a ‘monster’ replacement amid Man Utd interest, Liverpool
Man Utd focus on Sporting star Inacio
However, the competition for the South Korean is understandably high. His release clause, worth around £42million, becomes active for two weeks in early July, with a number of top clubs hot on his heels.
However, it appears that one particular race is being led by Man City.
Not wanting to be too disappointed, Ten Hag seems to have turned its focus to a new top target. And the man he’s focusing on now is the impressive 21-year-old Sporting Lisbon star Inacio.
The former Portugal international stands at 6ft 1in and bears more than a passing resemblance to fellow countryman Ruben Dias.
Blessed with similar attributes, Dias has featured in 48 games this season and has scored three goals.
However, with a £39.7million (€45million) release clause in his deal, Sporting fear he could be brushed off all too easily this summer.
Well acc Oh Jogo, United have made initial contact with the player’s agent to sign him. According to the report, this meeting should create the conditions the club needs to secure its signature.
Crucially for United, should they decide to pursue his signature, they reportedly have a crucial advantage. And with Inacio being represented by Bruno Fernandes agent Miguel Pinho, they feel they have a very real and real chance of landing him.
Man Utd hold transfer ace card
For their part, Sporting are determined to tie Inacio to a new contract. This current agreement is not set to expire until the summer of 2026, although there appears to be little urgency on the player’s part to commit to an extension.
Additionally, there’s a strong chance Pinho will try to steer his client to Old Trafford instead. And if United confirm their interest, it appears they have a good chance of striking a deal.
And while Newcastle are also reportedly keen, United will be favorites to sign him thanks to Pinho.
At just under £40m United could be tempted to seek a deal. And that will surely become even more tempting for Ten Hag if they can reclaim a hefty fee for Maguire to fund the signing.
CONTINUE READING: Man Utd approach trio of deals with Ten Hag to negotiate stunning terms in one and PSG, Barcelona thwarted in another
The article ‘Man Utd transfers: Bruno Fernandes agent to delivery next Sporting superstar as Ten Hag set up on £45m Maguire upgrade’ first appeared on Teamtalk.com.