MX23RW : Friday, November 8 13:35:04| >> :60:2710:2710:

Manchester United 'considering January move for Goncalo Inacio'

Man United 'considering January move for Inacio'
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in January.

Manchester United may reportedly move for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in January.

The centre of United's backline is proving to be a problem area, despite Erik ten Hag starting the campaign with five seasoned internationals.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been hit by injury issues, Harry Maguire has been largely out of favour and Jonny Evans was only brought back to Old Trafford as a stop-gap.

However, the veteran Northern Irishman faces being used on a more regular basis than planned with Martinez out in the long term with a foot injury.

United have already suffered four defeats in seven Premier League fixtures this season, with their only shutouts coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on September 26, 2023© Reuters

While reports maintain that a new winger could be at the top of Ten Hag's priorities for January, bringing in a fresh face for the middle of the defence remains an option.

According to The Sun, a bid is being considered for Inacio at the midway point of the campaign.

The 22-year-old has progressed from the academy system to emerge as a key player at Sporting, making a total of 130 appearances in all competitions.

As many as 11 goals and eight assists have come during that time, and he has since become a full international with Portugal since the appointment of Roberto Martinez.

Goncalo Inacio celebrates scoring for Sporting Lisbon on March 9, 2023© Reuters

Sporting are in a strong position to retain his services with the player having penned a contract until 2027 as recently as August.

Nevertheless, it is claimed that a United scout has been given the task of assessing Inacio over the coming months to determine whether he would be a suitable signing in January.

Furthermore, there is believed to be a €60m (£52m) release clause present in his contract, giving United an opportunity to push hard for the transfer.

Much may depend on whether Inacio will be presented with immediate first-team football at Old Trafford, with Sporting currently unbeaten and sitting at the top of the Primeira Liga standings.

ID:525606:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4416:

Click here for more stories about Goncalo Inacio

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in action on August 14, 2023
Read Next:
Lisandro Martinez 'to undergo second foot operation on Monday'
>
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
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
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!