Man United ‘on the verge’ of Landing £38m Defender in £105m Double Transfer Raid | OneFootball

Manchester United Set to Ramp Up Interest in Goncalo Inacio: Transfer Developments

Manchester United are reportedly poised to intensify their pursuit of Goncalo Inacio, with the Sporting CP centre-back becoming a key target under the club’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim. The 23-year-old Portugal international has long been on United’s radar, but with Amorim now at the helm, the club’s interest is expected to grow significantly, potentially leading to a summer move.

Inacio’s Potential Move to Old Trafford

Inacio, who has emerged as one of the standout defensive talents in Europe, could be the perfect fit for United’s plans. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, “United hold long-term interest in Inacio pre-dating Amorim’s arrival. But now that the 40-year-old is at the helm, United are ‘on the verge’ of ramping up their interest and moving for Inacio.”

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Sporting CP, however, are aware of the growing interest in their star defender. The club has reportedly set a €45 million (£38 million / $49 million) price tag on Inacio, knowing that multiple clubs are vying for his signature. Borussia Dortmund attempted to negotiate for the player in January, but they failed to meet Sporting’s demands, leaving the door open for United to make their move this summer.

Amorim’s Influence and United’s Plans

Ruben Amorim, who gave Inacio his breakthrough at Sporting, is keen to bring the young defender to Old Trafford. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactical setup could play to Inacio’s strengths, particularly given his experience in a back three. With Lisandro Martinez recovering from an ACL injury, Inacio could slot seamlessly into the left-sided centre-back role, bolstering United’s defensive options.

As A Bola highlights, “Inacio ideally wants to play for one of the most competitive clubs in Europe. United are some way off that right now, though Amorim could play a key role in convincing him to join the Red Devils regardless.”

Photo IMAGO

Inacio is known for his solid defensive abilities and his proficiency in playing out from the back, qualities that would make him a valuable addition to United’s squad. His £38m price tag could prove to be a bargain in the current market, given his potential and versatility.

Possible Double Deal with Sporting CP

United’s interest in Sporting CP’s talent doesn’t end with Inacio. The club is also closely monitoring Francisco Trincao, a dynamic forward who can operate on the wing or as a No 10. Reports suggest that Amorim is particularly keen to bring Trincao to Manchester, with some sources stating that United are “desperate” to sign him. Initially, a £30 million deal seemed possible, but Sporting now appears set on demanding the full €80 million (£67 million / $87 million) release clause for the winger.

As A Bola reports, “United would need to spend around £105m to capture both Inacio and Trincao.” While this would represent a significant financial outlay, United’s recent attempts to offload players such as Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho could help fund these transfers, easing the financial burden.

Viktor Gyokeres and Further Targets

In addition to Inacio and Trincao, United have also been linked with striker Viktor Gyokeres, another Sporting ace who has impressed this season. As the Red Devils search for a quality No 9 to partner Rasmus Hojlund, Gyokeres could provide a deadly option in front of goal. However, United would face stiff competition from Europe’s top clubs in securing his services.

Photo: IMAGO

As Manchester United looks to strengthen their squad this summer, the club’s pursuit of Sporting’s finest talents could be pivotal in their plans. With Amorim’s influence, United are seeking to build a competitive side capable of challenging for top honours in both domestic and European competitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The pursuit of Goncalo Inacio represents a smart and strategic move for United. The 23-year-old’s experience in a back three, coupled with his defensive stability and ball-playing ability, makes him an ideal fit for United’s needs, especially given Lisandro Martinez’s injury struggles. While the €45 million asking price is reasonable for a player of his calibre, the fact that multiple clubs are circling makes this a competitive race.

United’s ability to pull off a double deal with Sporting for Inacio and Trincao, though expensive, would be a significant boost to the squad. Trincao’s versatility in attack would provide much-needed depth, and his creativity could add an exciting dimension to United’s forward play. The €80 million price tag for Trincao is hefty, but with the club looking to offload several players, there is a clear pathway to fund these moves.

Furthermore, the addition of Viktor Gyokeres would strengthen United’s striking options, offering more firepower alongside Hojlund. The need for a clinical No 9 has been evident, and Gyokeres’ proven goal-scoring record makes him an attractive proposition.

In conclusion, the summer transfer window promises to be an exciting one for Manchester United. If they can secure Inacio, Trincao, and potentially Gyokeres, they will have a well-rounded squad capable of competing for top honours.