Man Utd ‘leading chase’ for Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio but face Newcastle fight

Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio but face competition for his signature.

The 20-year-old centre back is likely to leave the Portuguese side this summer, with United in pole position to secure his signature, according to A Bola. New United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of Inacio and wants him to be his first signing at Old Trafford this summer.

Inacio is understood to have a £39million release clause in his contract, with United preparing an opening bid of £35million plus a further £4million in add-ons.

Strengthening the centre of the Red Devils' defence is a priority for Ten Hag this summer and United have already been linked with a host of potential signings in the position. Villarreal's Pau Torres, Jurrien Timber of Ajax and RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol have all been linked with the club, although Inacio is believed to currently be the preferred signing.

United will likely face competition to sign him, though, despite currently being in pole position for his signature. Both Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be interested in the Portugal under-21 international.

Having been promoted to the Sporting first team in 2020 after progressing through the club's academy, Inacio won the league title the following season.

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Inacio 45 appearances across all competitions last season and also chipped in with four goals as Sporting lifted the Portuguese League Cup.

United are also reportedly interested in Inacio's Sporting team-mate Matheus Nunes, who has a £50million release clause in his contract. Premier League champions Manchester City had been tipped to sign Nunes this summer after identifying him as a replacement for the departing Fernandinho. However, Nunes' price tag is said to have made Pep Guardiola hesitant to make a transfer approach.

Ten Hag is set to add to his midfield this summer with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all set to leave for free this summer.

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