Manchester United are plotting a bid for Sporting Lisbon centre back Goncalo Inacio as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his new side's defence for next season.
That's according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), who suggests Man Utd have been interested in the defender for some time now.
Newcastle were also linked to the player, who can also play left-back if required, ahead of the summer transfer window.
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With a release clause of €45m (£38.5m) then the price is known, and the club can make their move before too late.
Man Utd could bolster their backline
The club have had a horrendous season so far, with the 4-0 defeat to Brighton the icing on the cake and new manager Erik ten Hag has a major rebuilding job in the summer in order to put Man Utd back on their perch.
At just 20-years-old, Inacio looks like a superb prospect, with Zach Lowy describing him as “underrated” and with the club in urgent need of a solid centre back, he could well be a massive upgrade on the calamitous Harry Maguire.
Inacio offers more of a goalscoring threat, something that United have lacked this season amongst their defenders, with the Portuguese player netting four times, plus grabbing an assist too, while Maguire only has the one goal.
His temperament is also first class, with only one booking in 27 league matches, compared to Maguire’s nine cautions and one sending off. If it’s a disciplined and calm individual the Red Devils are looking for, then Inacio appears mature for his age.
He also makes slightly fewer fouls than Maguire (18 to 20) which could contribute to goal scoring chances for the opposition.
The stats suggest Inacio would be an excellent signing, and at such a young age, the potential for a major profit.