Man Utd and Ten Hag now working to sign 'underrated' defender in £38.5m move; offer 'imminent'

Manchester United are thought to be preparing an offer to sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.

Reports earlier this month linked the Red Devils with a summer swoop for Inacio. The 20-year-old Portuguese starlet, primarily a centre-back who can also turn out at left-back, has been tracked by United chiefs for ‘some time’, with their interest now ‘real’ ahead of an Old Trafford rebuild under Erik ten Hag.

Newcastle United have also been name-checked with a possible move for Inacio, who has a €45m (£38.5m) release clause and was hailed as ‘underrated’ by journalist Zach Lowy.

Sports Witness relayed an update from A Bola regarding United and Inacio on Tuesday. They claim that the Red Devils are leading the race for the defender’s services, with a bid now ‘imminent’.

Developments could happen ‘very soon’, with the report adding that United may decide to offer €40m with €5m in performance-based add-ons.

Only five Premier League sides have conceded more goals than United this season, which goes to show that a defensive overhaul is needed ahead of Ten Hag’s first season on charge.

Inacio could be a shrewd signing both in the short and long term as he’s been a regular for Sporting during the current campaign and has even weighed in with five goals in all competitions.

He’s also comfortable on the ball, with a passing completion rate of 91% in the current Portuguese top-flight campaign, while he also ranks high for Sporting when it comes to clearances made and dribbled past the least per 90. [WhoScored]

You’d like to think the club could raise funds needed for a move by moving on one or two this summer, and it looks as if they will make their offer soon.

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