Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United battle Liverpool for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, who is not for sale in the January transfer window
As Manchester United and Liverpool battle for his signature, Sporting CP are unwilling to sell their star defender, Goncalo Inacio. The 22-year-old is indispensable for the Portuguese club and they cannot lose him in the middle of the season.
The Portugal international has established himself in the national set-up and saw a steep rise to his reputation. Inacio is physically imposing as he stands at six feet and one inch tall, versatile enough to play at right-back.
The left-footed Portuguese player possesses the attributes of a typical modern-day central defender and maintains a high work-rate. Inacio is brilliant with the ball as he can both distribute from the backline and make long progressive runs.
The 22-year-old possesses a sound tactical mind with good game intelligence and anticipation to counter opposition attacks and intercept passes. The Portugal international is calm with his tackling and doesn’t go recklessly on the ground. Inacio stays on his feet and keeps his composure while timing his tackles.
Mirror reported that Inacio’s agent, Miguel Pinho, who also represents Bruno Fernandes, has no interest in a January move. Sporting is also not willing to lose their key player in the middle of their season. The Portuguese club is currently on top of the Liga Portugal with just a point ahead of Benfica.
The Red Devils have conceded 20 goals from 12 matches in all competitions so far this season. United are struggling with an injury crisis as they have lost both first-choice centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United scouts are actively assessing Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo
- Professional golfer Rory McIlroy expresses his desire to buy a minority share of Manchester United
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised Harry Maguire after his man of the match display against Sheffield United.
Mirror reported earlier that they marked Inacio as the replacement for Harry Maguire during the summer transfer window. West Ham United attempted to sign the 30-year-old, and they accepted an offer of £30m, but the deal fell through.
United are looking to recruit a first-team defender during the 2024 transfer window. However, if Inacio is their primary target, they have to wait till the summer just like their arch-rival Liverpool.
