Manchester United have reportedly suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of 22-year-old Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, who prefers a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio remains high on the agenda of Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window, but the player has expressed his desire to give priority to a Real Madrid move instead.
Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his wish for a new defender at Old Trafford, having probed possible deals for a couple of solid options last summer. However, Manchester United decided to pursue more pressing positions over the summer window, despite discussion of possible transfers with the likes of Axel Disasi and Jean-Clair Todibo.
At the time, United decided not to pursue deals for either defender, with any purchase resting on their ability to offload Harry Maguire. The England defender had slipped to fourth choice under Ten Hag and held talks over a possible move to West Ham.
Ultimately, that deal failed to go through, and Maguire has fought his way back into Ten Hag’s plans since. Ironically, he now looks to be first-choice again, with some much-improved displays in the heart of their defensive rearguard. Instead, it now looks like Raphael Varane could be on his way out amid strong rumours of a potential Saudi Arabian move.
And with the January window around the corner, United are pushing ahead with plans to sign a new defender after all, with Inacio reported to be a possible target for the Old Trafford outfit.
The centre-back has been linked with United for some time. He was initially on the radar last year before the club purchased Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. Inacio ended up signing a new deal with an increased €60 million release clause, but the Red Devils continue to be tipped to make a proposal for him.
Erik ten Hag’s side could benefit from signing a left-footed player of Inacio’s current ability and potential, which would be an excellent piece of business. The 22-year-old has already made just short of 150 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, and the five-cap Portugal international has emerged as a hot prospect in European football, attracting attention from several elite clubs.
His impressive performances for club and country have not only caught the eye of United but have also put him on Real Madrid’s radar.
The recruitment department at the Bernabeu are on the lookout for a new defender, with only Nacho Fernandez and Antonio Rudiger as their fit central defenders, having lost both David Alaba and Eder Militao to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
