Manchester United are reportedly targeting Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, who has a £51million release clause.
The Red Devils are planning to make a bid for the 22-year-old defender in the near future.
Inacio has been called up by Roberto Martinez for Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad and has six caps for the national team.
United are said to be pursuing the two-time Portuguese title winner but could face competition from Liverpool.
That’s according to Portuguese outlets Record and O Jogo, who claim that United are preparing a bid.
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make a bid for £51m defender Goncalo Inacio
The Sporting Lisbon centre-back, who also plays on the left, has caught Liverpool’s eye as well
The former states that United are the best-placed club to sign the defender.
Meanwhile, O Jogo claims that United have been tracking the youngster for a long time and that their interest in him is irrespective of Erik ten Hag’s position.
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It was widely reported that United had decided to sack Ten Hag ahead of the FA Cup final regardless of the result, but the Dutchman remains in post after beating Manchester City 2-1.
Inacio has won two Portuguese league titles, two Cups, and a Super Cup since stepping up to Sporting’s first team in the 2020-21 season.
He has also slotted in at left-back for Ruben Amorim’s side so could bring some versatility to the back line in Manchester.
Arsenal were reported to be keen on him in December. He was one of five players who scored a penalty to knock them out of the Europa League in 2022-23.
Centre-back is one of the areas that United need to beef up after losing Raphael Varane.
Varane left Old Trafford at the end of the season after three years and 93 appearances, having signed from Real Madrid for £42m.
United’s interest is said to be unwavering whether or not Erik ten Hag remains in post
Raphael Varane left United at the end of the season upon his contract expiry after three years
His partnership with Lisandro Martinez has arguably been United’s best of recent seasons and despite his ageing he will be difficult to replace.
Ten Hag’s current options at centre-back include Martinez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala.
Casemiro filled in towards the end of the season due to their injury crisis but Saudi Arabian sides Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah are said to be vying for his signature.
All three clubs prepared to offer him a better package than the £350,000-per-week that he earns at United, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr said to be willing to bid in the region of £85m.
Liverpool, meanwhile, would welcome another central defender following the exit of Joel Matip.