Goncalo Inacio may not prefer to join Newcastle United as he angles for a summer move to a top club like Manchester United.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Newcastle United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Goncalo Inacio. The €45 million-rated Portuguese centre-back remains open to a summer move. But he may angle for a club bigger than the Magpies, with Manchester United also keen.
Goncalo Inacio continues to rise within the ranks of Sporting CP as his name gains traction in bigger leagues. The 21-year-old has put in some accomplished performances for the Lisbon side, with some top teams looking to sign him.
Like most players from the Portuguese league, Inacio also wants a bigger challenge in his career. Some of the top clubs have watched his development, and he is aware of it. Sporting also remain wary of letting the centre-back go and want to offer him a new deal.
Sporting essentially want to ensure Inacio, when he gets sold, goes for more than the current €45 million release clause in his contract. They want to increase that sum to somewhere between €50-80 million. The Portuguese giants clearly value him quite highly.
Inacio remains alert and fears that an increased release clause could scupper a possible summer move. He might rightly feel that top clubs would consider his current clause feasible, and some may readily pay up.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Inacio and would ideally pay for the €45 million-rated star. Eddie Howe feels the current team needs another top-rated centre-back. He wants someone who could provide competition to the current established order.
Apart from Inacio, there are others like Tiago Djalo on their list. But the Portuguese star certainly fits the profile needed. The problem for the Magpies would come from the player himself, who may not view them as a considerable challenge.
The Magpies are fighting for a top-four place. But Inacio might consider joining a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid. The Red Devils are certainly interested, and his profile would make him a viable deputy for Lisandro Martinez.
Erik ten Hag is in the market for a top-rated centre-back, with Josko Gvardiol and Kim Min-jae featuring on the shortlist of targets. As for Inacio, a summer move might materialise. But he could only join Newcastle if other clubs fail to make a move.
It will come as a blow for the Magpies in their efforts to sign the €45 million-rated star. Inacio would be a good fit under Howe. But time will tell whether they are a match or if the Portuguese defender decides to pursue his career elsewhere.
