United prepared to activate 22-year-old’s release clause after Liverpool send scouts to watch him in action

Sporting's Portuguese defender #25 Goncalo Inacio (L) vies with Atalanta's Croatian midfielder #08 Mario Pasalic during the Europa League football match between Sporting CP vs Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on October 5, 2023. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly ready to activate Goncalo Inacio’s release clause amid rumoured interest from Liverpool, as per Correio da Manha.

It is believed that the Red Devils have contacted Sporting Lisbon in hopes of agreeing to a payment structure for Inacio’s £52 million clause.

Following a long-term injury setback to Lisandro Martinez, as well as fitness issues with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane, United have made it no secret that they are on the hunt for a new centre-back to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options in the winter, though it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese club would sanction a mid-season exit for their highly-rated prospect.

Rivals could go head-to-head for Inacio

The report suggests that Liverpool are also active in pursuit of Inacio and have sent their scouts over to watch him in action in the highly-anticipated Derby de Lisboa tonight – as have United with their own scouting department.

United may look to further accelerate their attempts when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s buy-in has been fully confirmed; the Englishman will be keen to start on the right foot with fans by overseeing an impactful January window.