Manchester United have made contact with the representative of Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio ahead of a potential transfer this summer, O Jogo report (page 10).
The Red Devils currently have Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as their first-team options for the central defensive role.
Among them, Varane and Martinez are assured starters when fit and available. Lindelof and Maguire have been restricted to limited minutes over the campaign.
Maguire has been linked with a possible exit heading into the summer and O Jogo claim that the club have now entered talks to land Inacio from Sporting.
The Red Devils have yet to make any contact with the Primeira Liga outfit but discussions are underway with the player’s agent Miguel Pinho over a possible move.
Sporting are currently looking to increase the player’s €45m release clause with a fresh contract but it appears United want to prevent the same from happening.
Newcastle United are also in contention to sign the highly-rated Portuguese centre-back.
Inacio would be a quality deputy for Martinez
Inacio has had a splendid campaign with the Lisbon-based outfit. The 21-year-old has completed 62 passes per game this season with an accuracy of 92 per cent.
Meanwhile, he has made nearly two clearances per game while winning 1.1 tackles and 3.9 duels. The centre-back has also chipped in with three goals and three assists.
In our opinion, Inacio would be an ideal deputy and competitor for Martinez. He is a left-footed central defender with a commanding presence and likes the ball at his feet.
Erik ten Hag has utilised Luke Shaw as his left centre-back when Martinez has been rested or injured this term but the Dutchman would ideally like another specialist option.
In today’s transfer market, €45m is a relatively bargain price for a player with the potential of Inacio. The Red Devils should have the upper hand over Newcastle in the pursuit.
Both clubs are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League but it has already been reported that Inacio prefers to join a ‘top European club’ and has rejected Newcastle.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
