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Manchester United prepared to land promising 21-year-old Portuguese defender

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Manchester United adds Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio to their transfer shortlist for next year.

Manchester United ‘ready’ to make a move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio

Manchester United are ‘ready’ to make a move to get a hold of the signature of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, according to Correo da Manha (h/t Manchester Evening News).

The Portuguese outfit will demand around €35 million to part ways with the 21-year-old. However, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be willing to match that figure.

Initially, the Old Trafford side had doubts about the quality of the Portugal international. However, the defender put the Manchester-based club’s concerns to rest after an impressive display against Arsenal in the Europa League recently.

Manchester United 'ready' to make a move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio.
Manchester United are convinced by the talent of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim’s team took on the Gunners in the first leg of the round of 16 last week. The Leoes managed to get a 2-2 draw at home, with Inacio finding the back of the net.

The 21-year-old made his way through the youth ranks at Sporting CP before establishing himself in the senior squad in the 2020/21 season. Subsequently, the centre-back has become a regular first-team player at the Biblioteca Jose Alvalade side.

In the current campaign, the Portugal international has been a pivotal member of Amorim’s team. The defender has made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

At the moment, United’s backline is stacked. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martine have been Erik ten Hag’s preferred duo at the Manchester-based club.

However, the Dutch manager also has Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at his disposal. But the two have hardly featured this season. Our skipper and the Sweden international have mostly found themselves on the bench since the former Ajax head coach’s arrival.

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Therefore, it would not come as a surprise if either of them wanted to leave the Old Trafford side for pastures new in the coming months. In that case, someone like Inacio seems a decent option to add depth to the defence.