Manchester United target £52m Raphael Varane 'replacement' and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are willing to activate the £52million release clause for Goncalo Inacio as they target a longer-term replacement for Raphael Varane - according to reports.

Inacio has been continually linked with a move to the Premier League and arch-rivals Liverpool are also thought to be in the market for his signature. The 22-year-old plays as a defender for Sporting Lisbon.

Reports from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha credit United with interest in Inacio and suggest United would be open to activating the release clause next summer. Varane, meanwhile, has been backed to depart Old Trafford with Saudi Arabian clubs said to be monitoring his situation and availability.

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Inacio has played 138 games for Sporting in all competitions after breaking through their Academy system. He has two senior caps for Portugal to his name, too, scoring twice in those early appearances.

The centre-back remains under contract until 2027 with a mooted £52million release clause. United, Liverpool and several other top European clubs are understood to be keeping an eye on Inacio this season.

Elsewhere, reports from The Sun indicate Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be eyeing up a transfer for FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghi after his dramatic winner for the Danes against United on Wednesday night. The 17-year-old settled the scores in their Champions League meeting at Parken Stadium.

However, as per that article, Sir Jim and his recruitment team are keen on the midfielder for OGC Nice rather than as a potential target for United at this juncture. Sweden U21 international