Sporting star keen on Manchester United transfer

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP celebrates scoring Sporting CP frist goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Manchester United will prioritise a move for a striker this summer but other areas will also need to be reinforced, with potential departures leaving Erik ten Hag light.

Ten Hag will make a long-term forward option his prime priority, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen among the players to be linked with a move.

Signing a midfielder could also be high on Ten Hag’s wishlist but recently, there have been increasing links to centre-backs and that comes after a flurry of injuries in that area.

Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for the remainder of this season last month, with Raphael Varane also sustaining a serious injury. Harry Maguire is likely to leave the club and there is little clarity on Victor Lindelof’s future.

Eric Bailly is set to return to the club following a disappointing season-long loan at Marseille, with the French giants unlikely to exercise their option to sign the Ivorian outright.

Earlier this week, Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber was once more paired with a move to Old Trafford and now, another exciting young centre-back has been thrown into the hat.

Goncalo Inacio, the Sporting and Portugal centre-back, is interested in joining the club if United make the decision to pursue a transfer this summer, according to reports.

That’s according to O Jogo, via Sport Witness, who say that Inacio views the transfer as appealing and that United have already even made contact.

As per the report, Inacio’s performances this season, including the impressive Europa League victory over Arsenal, have caught the attention of European clubs, with United said to be among those.

A transfer is becoming increasingly likely and the player wants to leave the club, with United viewing him as a replacement for the outbound Maguire.

Meanwhile, according to Le Parisien, Liverpool are keen on signing Inacio from Sporting Lisbon in the summer transfer window.

Inacio has made 77 league appearances for Sporting and made his senior debut for the Portugal national team this year. The 21-year-old is valued at €25m by Transfermarkt.