Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio has stalled over signing a new contract amid interest from Manchester United, according to O Jogo (page 10).
The Red Devils are currently considering the potential exit of Harry Maguire, and it has been widely reported that Napoli’s Kim Min-jae could replace him.
However, this has not stopped the speculation linking them with Inacio. O Jogo claim that the 21-year-old has frozen talks over a new renewal to assess his options.
The Portuguese youngster is reportedly attracting interest from United and Liverpool in the Premier League. Inacio is willing to wait for transfer proposals.
United boss Erik ten Hag is currently eyeing a ‘left-handed centre-back’, who is ‘strong with the ball at his feet’. It is left to be seen whether Inacio is considered.
Inacio currently has a release clause worth €45 million in his contract. Sporting are trying to increase the valuation to €60m by handing him a new improved deal.
Inacio could be a back-up option to Min-jae
The youngster has been constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford. United have scouted him in the past, but are yet to make a formal approach to sign him.
Inacio is one of Portugal’s best upcoming centre-backs alongside Antonio Silva. Last season, he completed 63 passes per game with an accuracy of 90 per cent.
He also registered 1.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per outing while winning 3.9 duels. Inacio has the potential to become an elite defender in future.
Despite the constant United links, we don’t believe the club are considering a move for him.
Min-jae is currently the main target for the Red Devils, and talks have been held with his camp. The club are planning to trigger his release clause which will be active from July 1-15.
The 26-year-old would be a big upgrade on Maguire next term. In case United are unsuccessful in signing him, the club could look at either Inacio or Axel Disasi this summer.
United could sign more than one centre-back in the coming transfer window, but that depends on Victor Lindelof also heading for the exit door which is unlikely to happen.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
