Howe must seal NUFC deal for "underrated" £9.2k-p/w tank who's "increasingly stronger" - opinion

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their interest in Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio… 

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies are keen on a deal to sign the defender from the Portuguese champions in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Toon have not been put off by his new contract with Sporting, after he recently penned fresh terms until 2025.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for the £9.2k-per-week tank in the summer, as he would be a fantastic signing for the club.

He has been in fine form in Liga Portugal for Sporting this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.08 across 19 starts. The Portuguese giants have kept 11 clean sheets in those 19 matches, showing that Inacio has been a crucial member of a terrific defensive unit this term, which is one of the reasons why he would be a fantastic addition to Howe’s squad.

Journalist Zach Lowy previously dubbed him “underrated”, while his former coach José Lima (as quoted by Portuguese outlet RR) also heaped praise on the defender, saying: “The psychological aspect is one of his great strengths, as he shows a lot of tranquility in any situation, in addition to his technical skills, in the formation, he could play as a left-back because his dominant foot is his left.

“Although at Sporting, now, he plays on the right side, even though that is not the dominant foot. He has, therefore, evolved and has been more confident with the passing of the games. He is an increasingly stronger player. He has always played with quality.”

At the age of 20, he has the majority of his career ahead of him to grow and develop as a player over the years, so Newcastle would be buying him for his ability