Manchester United could face missing out on yet another centre back target as bitter rivals Liverpool are plotting a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio.
The Red Devils are reportedly on the verge of tying up a deal for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt but are clearly looking at bringing in at least two central defenders this summer.
A bid has already been sent and accepted for LOSC Lille’s Leny Yoro but he still needs to make a decision on his future, with Real Madrid widely reported as his preferred destination.
In addition, United’s pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has hit a brick wall as Everton have no need to sell below their astronomical valuation of at least £70 million, now that they have sold Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.
Therefore, Inacio may be a target United might return to having already expressed interest in the 22-year-old. However, reports from Portuguese outlet O Jogo suggest this potential move may also prove a complicated pursuit.
O Jojo claim Liverpool’s new coach Arnie Slot wants defensive reinforcements with Virgil van Dijk’s future up in the air and Joel Matip having already departed the club.
It is stated Inacio is “wanted by several Premier League clubs” and that he is “now at the top of Liverpool’s targets for 2024/25” and has become a “priority to sign.”
As well as United, Arsenal, and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the defender ahead of a move this summer.
“However, the Reds will not have an easy task to secure Inácio, as the defender is protected by a clause of €60 million and a contract valid until 2027.”
It has also been relayed here in the past that Sporting are not interested in negotiation and will refer to the release clause if any club wants to prise away their defensive gem.
United will hope that they don’t need to get involved in this race as Yoro will have already agreed to join but, at the moment, they appear clear second favorites to Madrid.
One thing in United’s favor is that despite PSR restrictions, they have always been able to outspend their arch-rivals, so it is possible that the club may be likely to afford the release clause more readily than Liverpool.
In addition, the fact United have offered £50 million for Branthwaite and a reported €50 million for Yoro, it doesn’t seem that far a stretch to suggest they have the €60 million available to trigger Inacio’s clause, should they turn to the defender.
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