Manchester United weighing up summer swoop for £40m Sporting star
Manchester United are watching Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio and could switch for the youngster this summer, according to reports from Portugal.
The 21-year-old is one of the top-rated young defenders in the world and is widely expected to be the next academy graduate to trade Lisbon for a big-money move to a European giant.
Inacio was part of Portugal’s 55-man provisional squad for the World Cup but failed to make the final for the tournament in Qatar but he is set to make his senior debut next week.
Although Fernando Santos’ tried and tested centre-back pairing, Ruben Dias and 40-year-old Pepe, have both been selected, new boss Roberto Martinez is expected to rely on the yet-to-be-capped Inacio for the forthcoming games against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
The youngster has impressed enormously under Ruben Amorim this season and, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, he has caught the eye of both Manchester United and Newcastle.
Inacio is believed to feel ready to join a top European club and prefers a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park.
The Red Devils are “vigilant” about the possibility of signing Inacio this summer and there are suggestions he could act as cover and competition for Lisandro Martinez in the left-back role.
Cultured and confident on the ball, Inacio would likely see plenty of playing time as Erik ten Hag changes his team frequently, while United are expected to look to sack skipper Harry Maguire in the summer, which would create even more opportunities.
The Red Devils are also believed to have been watching Inacio up close in Sporting’s Europa League round of 16 win over Arsenal, with the defender impressing in both legs – and particularly at the Emirates.
However, United may need to act quickly as Sporting are currently looking to lift a release clause in the centre-back’s contract, meaning he can be bought for around €45m (£40m).
Sporting are looking to secure a contract extension with Inacio which would cement his long-term future and increase his release clause to as much as €80m (£70m).
If United don’t move this summer, Inacio is described as ‘not interested’ in a move to Newcastle and will only leave Sporting for a European heavyweight who plays regularly in the Champions League.
Inacio plays a key role in Sporting’s build-up play from behind, averaging 75 passes per game in the Portuguese league – the most of any player at the club – and having three assists.
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