- Manchester United are reportedly planning a bid for a Sporting Lisbon defender
- Gonçalo Inácio, who has a release clause of 51 million pounds, has also attracted the attention of Liverpool
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Manchester United are reportedly targeting Sporting Lisbon defender Gonçalo Inácio, who has a £51m release clause.
The Red Devils plan to make an offer for the 22-year-old defender in the near future.
Inácio has been called up by Roberto Martínez for the Portugal team for Euro 2024 and has six caps for the national team.
United are said to be chasing the two-time Portuguese title winner but could face competition from Liverpool.
This is stated by the Portuguese media. Record and O Jogowho claim that United are preparing an offer.
Manchester United are reportedly willing to make a bid for £51m defender Gonçalo Inacio.
The Sporting Lisbon centre-back, who also plays on the left, has also caught the attention of Liverpool
The first claims that United is the best placed club to sign the defender.
Meanwhile, O Jogo claims that United have been monitoring the youngster for a long time and that their interest in him is independent of Erik ten Hag’s position.
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 charge after beating Manchester City 2-1.
Inácio has won two Portuguese league titles, two Cups and one Super Cup since joining Sporting’s first team in the 2020-21 season.
He has also worked as a left back in Rubén Amorim’s team, so he could add some versatility to the defensive line in Manchester.
Arsenal were reported to be interested in him in December. He was one of five players to score a penalty to eliminate them from the Europa League in 2022-23.
The centre-back is one of the areas that United need to strengthen 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 Erik ten Hag remains in charge or not.
Raphael Varane left United at the end of the season as his contract expired after three years
His partnership with Lisandro Martínez has arguably been United’s best in recent seasons and, despite his age, 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 replaced at the end of the season due to his injury crisis, but Saudi sides Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah are said to be vying for his signature.
All three clubs have prepared to offer him a better package than the £350,000-a-week he earns at United, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr said to be willing to bid in the region of £85m.
Liverpool, for their part, would welcome another centre-back after the departure of Joel Matip.
