Man Utd 'prepare formal bid' for Portuguese youngster who impressed Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a 'formal proposal' for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

Inacio, who came through Sporting's youth ranks, made his senior breakthrough in the 2020/21 season after Ruben Amorim took over from Silas early 2020. The Portuguese boss who is renown for helping young talents handed Inacio 25 appearances in all competitions last year, before he became a vital member of the squad this current season.

He helped Sporting break an 18-year title drought last year, as the Lions claimed the Primeira Liga silverware. So far this campaign, he has made 44 appearances in all competitions, contributing to five goals and two assists.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Sporting academy graduate has been attracting interest from Europe despite still being contracted until the summer of 2027. It is reported that Newcastle had shown an interest, but United are said to be "in the front line" to sign the player - stating that the club has a plan to convince Sporting to accept their bid.

However, Sporting have already made publicly that due to still being under contract, any interested clubs will have to meet the release clause fee of €45million (£39m). Inacio has been in the spotlight in the Portuguese top-flight this campaign after Sporting conceded rivals Porto the league title, finishing second.

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United playmaker and former Sporting captain Bruno Fernandes, who shares the same agent as Inacio, Miguel Pinho, admitted back in 2019 that he had been highly impressed by the youngster. "There is a player I like a lot from the under-23s, the left footed guy, Goncalo Inacio. I've spoken