Manchester United are closely following Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio ahead of the summer transfer window, according to O Jogo (page 16).
The Red Devils are likely to consider the sale of Harry Maguire in the coming weeks, and it has been widely reported that Napoli star Kim Min-jae could replace him.
However, there has also been speculation linking Inacio with the club. The Portuguese has been regularly associated with a move to Old Trafford over the past 18 months.
O Jogo claim that Sporting are trying to negotiate a new deal with Inacio to increase his release clause from €45 million to €60 million ahead of the summer.
They have been unsuccessful in their plans thus far. United, Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain are among a few clubs that are ‘closely following’ his situation.
Inacio’s arrival could depend on multiple exits
United are reportedly prioritising the transfer of Min-jae from Napoli. Italian sources claim that the club will trigger his €60m release clause in the first two weeks of July.
Inacio would be another good acquisition for United, considering he is a left-footed centre-back. The 21-year-old could provide solid competition to Lisandro Martinez next term.
This season, he has completed 63 passes per league game with an accuracy of 90 per cent. He has made 1.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and nearly two clearances on average.
Inacio is also strong in the air and has won 60 per cent of his aerial duels. He would be a good long-term investment, but a transfer may depend on Victor Lindelof’s future.
Lindelof had a strong run at the end of the season as a starting centre-back after Martinez’s metatarsal injury.
However, he could fall down the pecking order with the Argentine’s return to full fitness. If United succeed in bringing Min-jae, the Swede could end up as the fourth-choice.
If the Swede pushes for a summer transfer, we could see United spend on Inacio’s services. There will be competition with Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain also keen.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
