Manchester United and Liverpool are both expected to be in the market for centre-backs in 2024 and one name being linked with both clubs is Portugal international Goncalo Inacio.
The Sporting Lisbon defender is understood to be courted by a host of European clubs, including United, so he has automatically come under our radar in recent months.
Inacio, 22, came through the academy at Sporting and has become a key player in the Portugal national team this term. He starts alongside Man City’s Ruben Dias in Roberto Martinez’s side.
Recent reports outline that Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign the Sporting star.
According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is close to luring Inacio with the Merseyside club ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for his signature.
Meanwhile, O Jogo in Portugal claim Inacio has a release clause of €60m (£52.5m) which must be met if he is to leave the club. It is stated that Liverpool will not only match the buyout clause, but they are ready to offer the young defender a starting place in Klopp’s team.
It is explained in the report that Barcelona don’t have the financial power to compete with Premier League clubs, while Madrid cannot offer Inacio a starting role in their team just yet.
United have had a number of injury problems in defence this season and that has allowed Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to find a place back in the team. Even 35-year-old Jonny Evans has got a run of games under his belt this season, and nobody expected that when he returned to the club in the summer.
In your opinion, should United push to sign Inacio for £52.5m? It sounds like a lot of money when I can only presume other options will be cheaper.
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