Manchester United have reportedly been handed a potential transfer boost to their hopes of landing a summer move for Goncalo Inacio.
The Red Devils have been linked with the Sporting CP defender in recent weeks and now look to have been handed a boost to their hopes of securing his signature this summer as some behind-the-scenes details have come to light.
According to a recent report from Portuguese media outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Inacio is not interested in joining Newcastle United, who had apparently looked to sign him, as he’s looking to join a top European club such as the Old Trafford outfit, who also have their eyes on the defender.
The report also adds that the 21-year-old has a release clause in his current contract worth €45m (£39m), although the Portuguese club are looking to secure him with a new contract that will see his release clause rise to between €50-80m (£44-70m).
Having made 110 senior appearances for Sporting across all competitions, the defender has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in the process.
His performance against Arsenal in the Europa League last week which ultimately knocked the Gunners out of the competition saw Inacio show how much of a capable defender he is.
do Man United need to sign a new centre-back this summer?
Yes
No
For example, having completed the full 120 minutes at the Emirates, the centre-half made three tackles, won six of the 10 duels he was involved in and managed to avoid getting dribbled past throughout the night.
With Newcastle now looking to be out of the picture and the player’s criteria for his next club emerging, this should make United in with a good chance of signing the centre-back.
Also, with Erik ten Hag reportedly looking to move Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof out in the summer, the Sporting star could find himself replacing one of those two players.