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Manchester United and Liverpool transfer target Goncalo Inacio 'picks' between clubs
Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio has attracted plenty of interest this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reviews Brentford game
Sporting star Goncalo Inacio is reportedly interested in joining Manchester United this summer, with the club reportedly eying the defender as a replacement for Harry Maguire. Liverpool have also been linked with the highly-rated centre-back, though they do not appear to be his first preference.
United have improved significantly this season under Erik ten Hag, with the defensive additions of Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia providing assurance at the back. However, injuries to the duo – as well as Raphael Varane – have only showcased their lack of depth in that department.
Luke Shaw has been used frequently in central defence by Ten Hag in the second half of the campaign, with Victor Lindelof and Maguire clearly not rated highly enough by their manager.
The Red Devils are expected to acquire at least one defender this summer as a result, with Napoli star Kim Min-jae and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber both linked with a move to Old Trafford. Portugal international Inacio has also emerged as one of the names on United’s shortlist, a move that he appears open to.
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According to O Jogo, a move to Ten Hag’s side ‘appeals to the player’ and his representatives have also early heard from the club. Inancio’s performances against Arsenal in the Europa League this season are said to have alerted United to his quality, with other clubs also sitting up and taking notice of the 21-year-old at this time too.
Sporting were hopeful of reaching a deal with their star to increase his release clause this summer to fend off interest, though United and other sides speaking with his agent, Miguel Pinho, of a potential move has squashed the chances of that.
Liverpool have also identified Inacio as a target as they look to replace the out-of-favour Joel Matip, though the project at United is said to be ‘appealing to the placer’ and the type of ‘top project’ that he would look for if he was to leave Portugal.
It remains to be seen whether United act upon their interest and table an offer to Sporting, having already turned the head of the central defender, or whether they attempt to play the field and see which other opportunities arise. Ten Hag is also expected to push for a striker when the campaign concludes, with Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane both eyed, and he may wait to see what fee he must fork out for one of the aforementioned stars before bringing in a defender.