Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'leading race' for £51m-rated defender

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 05 June 2024

Man Utd 'leading race' for £51m-rated defender

Manchester United are allegedly regarded as the current frontrunners to sign a £51m-rated defender during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make progress in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

The Red Devils hierarchy are currently contemplating how to handle their head coach situation with Erik ten Hag undergoing an end-of-season review.

However, with a newly-formed footballing operations team at the helm, United are in a position where they can advance with their plans for the summer transfer window.

Ten Hag, himself, has already acknowledged that acquiring a new central defender is towards the top of the club's priority list with Raphael Varane having left on a free transfer and a Jonny Evans exit still a possibility.

While the likes of Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, another name is seemingly featuring more prominently on the list.

Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio on March 16, 2023 © Reuters

United ready to up Inacio chase

According to O Jogo, United are focused on bringing in Inacio before the start of the new season.

The report claims that United's recruitment team have reached the collective decision to make an approach for the Portugal international.

United will allegedly attempt to negotiate a deal for the 22-year-old regardless of whether Ten Hag remains in the dugout or is replaced.

Although Inacio has a €60m (£51.1m) release clause in his contract, United will likely attempt to lower that fee in discussions with their Sporting counterparts.

Liverpool are reportedly continuing to monitor the situation alongside United as they look to strengthen their own centre-back department.

Portugal's Goncalo Inacio celebrates scoring their first goal on September 11, 2023 © Reuters

Inacio agent 'authorised' to speak to clubs

In a separate report in Record, Inacio's agent has reportedly been provided with permission by Sporting to entertain offers elsewhere.

That will only make United's efforts more difficult, particularly when they are unable to offer Inacio Champions League football.

Inacio is currently hoping to feature for Portugal at Euro 2024, the seven-cap international competing with the likes of Ruben Dias and Pepe for a spot in the team.

If he stars for his country on the back of a title-winning Primeira Liga campaign where Sporting won by 10 points, with his current employers may decide that there is less room for compromise over a fee.