Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, who has a £51 million release clause, is reportedly being pursued by Manchester United.
In the near future, the Red Devils intend to submit a proposal for the 22-year-old defender.
With six caps for his country, Inacio has been called up by Roberto Martinez for Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad.
Liverpool may present a challenge to United’s pursuit of the two-time Portuguese title winner.
Record and O Jogo, two Portuguese publications, assert that United is getting ready to submit a proposal.
According to the former, United is the team most suited to sign the defender.
O Jogo, however, asserts that United has been keeping tabs on the young player for some time and that their interest in him is unrelated to Erik ten Hag’s status.
Ten Hag is still in his position despite United’s decision to fire him ahead of the FA Cup final, despite widespread reports to the contrary. United defeated Manchester City 2-1.
Since moving up to Sporting’s first squad in the 2020–21 season, Inacio has won two Portuguese league titles, two Cups, and a Super Cup.
He might add some variety to Manchester United’s defence since he has also filled in at left back for Ruben Amorim’s team.
In December, it was rumoured that Arsenal was interested in him. He was one of five players that eliminated them from the 2022–2023 Europa League with a penalty kick.
One position that United has to strengthen after losing Raphael Varane is center-back.
Varane, who cost £42 million when he arrived from Real Madrid, departed Old Trafford at the end of the season after three years and ninety-three games.
Even though he is getting older, his connection with Lisandro Martinez has been one of United’s strongest in recent years, and he will be hard to replace.
At centre defender, Ten Hag currently has Martinez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala as options.
Due to their injury crisis, Casemiro filled in towards the end of the season, although it’s rumoured that Saudi Arabian teams Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah are fighting for his signing.
All three teams were prepared to offer him a higher deal than the £350,000 weekly salary he currently receives from United, with Al-Nassr, the team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, reportedly poised to make a proposal of almost £85 million.
Joel Matip’s departure meant that Liverpool would welcome back another central defender.