Talks held: PIF now 'insist' on signing 'indispensable' colossus for Newcastle this summer

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly now ‘insist’ on signing Goncalo Inacio for Newcastle United in the summer.

The Tyneside club reportedly sent an official to watch the 20-year-old play for Sporting Lisbon in a 3-1 win at Tondela last month, when the central scored an impressive fifth goal of the season.

Inacio has been a mainstay in the team which got out of the group stage of the Champions League and are currently second in the Primeira Liga table, so he has already shown his credentials on the big stage.

As per Record (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now making ‘noises’ over Inacio and ‘insist’ on making a move for him this summer.

However, Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has claimed that the 20-year-old is ‘indispensable’ and considers him a ‘non-negotiable asset’, and he has even ‘communicated’ this to the Tyneside club.

Nonetheless, the 37-year-old would still be willing to negotiate a deal starting at €35m (£29.3m), despite Inacio’s release clause standing at €45m (£37.7m).

Given that he is left-footed, Inacio could slot in very well alongside Fabian Schar or Jamaal Lascelles, and at 20 years of age, his stock is only going to rise.

The 6 foot 1 colossus has been nicknamed the ‘Portuguese boss‘ by Portuguese media due to his commanding nature, which suggests that he could really thrive in English football.

Nonetheless, the Magpies will be looking for signings to take them to the next level, and Inacio certainly has the potential to do just that.

In other news, find out which ‘special’ NUFC loanee shone on Saturday

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