Manchester United may reportedly move for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in January.
The centre of United's backline is proving to be a problem area, despite Erik ten Hag starting the campaign with five seasoned internationals.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been hit by injury issues, Harry Maguire has been largely out of favour and Jonny Evans was only brought back to Old Trafford as a stop-gap.
However, the veteran Northern Irishman faces being used on a more regular basis than planned with Martinez out in the long term with a foot injury.
United have already suffered four defeats in seven Premier League fixtures this season, with their only shutouts coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
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While reports maintain that a new winger could be at the top of Ten Hag's priorities for January, bringing in a fresh face for the middle of the defence remains an option.
According to The Sun, a bid is being considered for Inacio at the midway point of the campaign.
The 22-year-old has progressed from the academy system to emerge as a key player at Sporting, making a total of 130 appearances in all competitions.
As many as 11 goals and eight assists have come during that time, and he has since become a full international with Portugal since the appointment of Roberto Martinez.
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Sporting are in a strong position to retain his services with the player having penned a contract until 2027 as recently as August.
Nevertheless, it is claimed that a United scout has been given the task of assessing Inacio over the coming months to determine whether he would be a suitable signing in January.
Furthermore, there is believed to be a €60m (£52m) release clause present in his contract, giving United an opportunity to push hard for the transfer.
Much may depend on whether Inacio will be presented with immediate first-team football at Old Trafford, with Sporting currently unbeaten and sitting at the top of the Primeira Liga standings.
Darren Plant
