Sources: Liverpool and Man United race to sign Inacio – new release clause revealed
Sporting CP are now resigned to losing Man United and Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio in the near future, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed Man United have scouted the 22-year-old in recent weeks as they draw up transfer plans for the January window.
Inacio has blossomed into one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs and Sporting now believe they stand very little chance of keeping him in Lisbon.
He signed a new contract in August running until June 2027, but the £52million release clause in that agreement makes a move a very real possibility.
The defender’s previous buyout clause stood at just £39million.
There was interest in the Portugal international during the summer window, which slammed shut across Europe early in September.
Liverpool and Newcastle were keen to sign the 22-year-old, while a number of other top European sides also scouted him – but a move failed to materialise.
Inacio has played every minute of all nine games for Sporting so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
He racked up 52 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 season, notching four goals and three assists.
The left-footer, who is renowned for his distribution and being excellent at bringing the ball out for the back in the manner of Man City summer signing Josko Gvardiol, is now also a regular for Portugal’s senior side.
He scored a brace in their last international – a 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg in Euro 2024 qualifying last month.
Man United, who sit 10th in the Premier League, have struggled after injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.
Meanwhile, defender Ibrahima Konate has endured constant fitness worries since arriving at Liverpool in 2021.
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