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Manchester United keeping close tabs on 21-year-old Liga Portugal defender

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Manchester United battle Liverpool for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, who is not for sale in the January transfer window.

Manchester United ‘attentive’ to situation of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio

Along with Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, according to O Jogo (h/t Metro).

The Red Devils are monitoring the defender. To that end, the Old Trafford side could also make a move for the Portuguese in the upcoming transfer window.

In the current campaign, the 21-year-old has caught a lot of people’s attention with some impressive displays. Consequently, the Manchester-based club and Eddie Howe’s team have taken notice.

Manchester United 'attentive' to situation of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
Manchester United ‘ready’ to make a move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Inacio believes he is ready to take the next step in his career and join a top European club. Thankfully, the Portuguese favours a move to United over the Magpies. The 21-year-old is uninterested in a move to the Tyneside outfit and wants to play regularly in the Champions League.

The Old Trafford side are ‘attentive’ to the centre-back’s situation at the Primeira Liga outfit. He could be bought to add depth cover in the Red Devils’ backline.

Sporting CP seem to realise the quality of Inaciao. The Leoes are looking to increase the £40 million release clause in the defender’s current contract to £70 million and secure his long-term future.

For now, Erik ten Hag has Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at his disposal. The French and Argentine nationals have been the gaffer’s preferred partnership in United’s backline this season.

As a result, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have found themselves on the bench most often since the former Ajax head coach’s arrival.

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The former Leicester City defender has struggled at the Old Trafford side but has shone under Gareth Southgate. Our captain evidently will be looking for more game time. Therefore, if he opts to leave the Old Trafford side in the coming months, someone like Inacio looks like a decent backup option.