According to Record, Sporting are prioritizing a new contract for defender Goncalo Inacio in the face of interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United. (page 13).

One of the top young center backs in Portuguese football, the 21-year-old has been closely monitored by United for the past 18 months.

The defender’s current contract with Sporting expires in June 2025, but Sporting hopes to extend it for a another year while also raising his €45 million release clause.

According to reports, United and Newcastle are the top suitors for Inacio.

Inacio might make the ideal assistant to Lisandro Martinez.

Since Lisandro Martinez is the only left-footed central defender on the team right now, manager Erik ten Hag might prefer to have another choice to add depth and competitiveness.

Inacio, in our opinion, would be a great signing. This term, the Portuguese has successfully completed an amazing 90% of his passes. He has made two clearances each game and won over four duels.

The young player has drawn attention as well for his powerful physical presence in the box and aggressive tackling. He is a left-footed center-back who enjoys having the ball at his feet, just like Martinez.

Inacio may be taken away for his clause because he has not yet been persuaded to sign a renewal. Newcastle is also mentioned, but it seems doubtful that they would sign him this summer.

Inacio already declined a transfer to St James’ Park and now wants to play for a “top European club.” If he is ready to compete for his position, United ought to be the favorites to sign him.