Manchester United is intensifying efforts to secure Sporting Lisbon’s much-acclaimed central defender, Goncalo Inacio, in the upcoming January transfer window.
This move comes amid the injury of Lisandro Martinez and the noticeable sidelining of Harry Maguire.
Manchester United has deployed a scout to Lisbon with explicit instructions to closely observe the 22-year-old Portuguese international over the forthcoming months, according to The Sun.
While Inacio recently committed to a new contract with Sporting Lisbon, it includes a release clause valued at €60 million. Manchester United has signaled readiness to meet this clause.
Sporting, while reluctant to part with Inacio, typically sells a top prospect annually, further boosting United’s confidence in the potential acquisition.
The urgency to reinforce the defense has grown under the management of Erik ten Hag, especially with Lisandro Martinez sidelined for a minimum of three months due to a metatarsal injury. Moreover, the fitness of Raphael Varane remains uncertain, and Harry Maguire’s position at Old Trafford has significantly diminished.
