MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 13:34:00| >> :120:12704:12704:

Three Sporting Lisbon stars Man United could bring to Old Trafford this summer

Sports Mole looks at three Sporting Lisbon players who could potentially make the move to Manchester United this summer.

Manchester United will be active during this summer's transfer window, with the club looking to put together a squad capable of challenging for major trophies once again.

At least one centre-back, a central midfielder and a centre-forward are believed to be targets for the 20-time English champions, who finished down in eighth spot in last season's Premier League table.

Man United have famously previously raided Sporting Lisbon for huge talent, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Bruno Fernandes making moves to Old Trafford from the Portuguese giants.

Here, Sports Mole discusses the futures of three current Sporting stars who could potentially make the switch to Erik ten Hag's side this summer.


Goncalo Inacio (centre-back)

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

Raphael Varane is leaving Man United on a free transfer at the end of the month, while Victor Lindelof is also being heavily linked with a move away from the club, so it is possible that two new centre-backs could move to Old Trafford before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are being heavily linked with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille's Leny Yoro, but it is believed that the club are also keep on Sporting's Inacio.

The 22-year-old, who is currently with the Portugal squad at Euro 2024, made 50 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring four goals and registering one assist in the process.

Inacio's release clause is believed to be €60m (£50.7m), which makes him an affordable target, and Liverpool are also thought to be keen on the Portuguese.

The defender came through the youth system at Sporting, and he has represented his current side on 171 occasions in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and registering nine assists in the process.


Morten Hjulmand (central midfielder)

Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand on September 17, 2023© Reuters

Hjulmand was also in strong form for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 51 appearances in all competitions.

The 24-year-old was allegedly being tracked by Man United ahead of Euro 2024, but the speculation has increased since he scored a wonderful goal for Denmark against England last week.

Hjulmand's thunderbolt secured a point for Denmark, while his overall performance was excellent, with the midfielder demonstrating that he can compete at the highest level.

Man United could allow Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to both leave this summer, which would strengthen the club's need for a new central midfielder.

Hjulmand has a €80m (£67.6m) release clause in his current deal, with Sporting not thought to be willing to let him leave for under that figure.


Viktor Gyokeres (centre-forward)

Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their first goal on March 10, 2024© Reuters

Man United also need a centre-forward, with Rasmus Hojlund requiring some support next season, and the Red Devils are thought to be admirers of Gyokeres.

The 26-year-old was in excellent form during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 43 goals and registering 15 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, having arrived from Coventry City in July 2023.

Arsenal are also thought to be keen on Gyokeres, but Sporting are believed to be pointing to the €100m (£86m) release clause in the forward's contract.

The 20-time English champions will not be able to pay that amount for the Sweden international, but it is possible that the striker's asking price may drop down over the course of the summer.

Gyokeres's future is certainly a situation to keep an eye on, but for the moment, Man United have other targets, with Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee representing a cheaper option.

ID:546577:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect7168:
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023
Read Next:
Huge call from Ratcliffe? Man United chief 'makes gigantic ownership decision'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!