Liverpool and Manchester United join Chelsea in race for £52m defender | OneFootball

Chelsea are hoping to sign the Portuguese International defender Goncalo Inacio at the end of the season.

According to a report from Apito Final, they will also face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United. The defender has a £52 million release clause in his contract, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition for Chelsea.

Multiple clubs keen on Inacio

The Blues need to tighten up defensively, and the Portuguese international will help them improve. Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are expected to be sold in the summer, and Chelsea will need to replace them.

Meanwhile, Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping tabs on the defender as well. It remains to be seen where he ends up. The player was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League when Ruben Amorim was in charge of Manchester United.

The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United could be exciting destinations for the defender. He can operate as the left-sided central defender as well as a left back. His versatility would be a huge bonus for all three clubs.

Liverpool could lose Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Inacio could be a quality alternative. At Manchester United, he could be the long-term replacement for Harry Maguire.

Goncalo Inacio would be a superb addition

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have not been at their best defensively, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. The 24-year-old is entering the peak years of his career, and he has a quality that has helped him thrive in the Premier League. He could help all three teams improve at the back. The asking price seems quite expensive, and it remains to be seen whether the Premier League clubs decide to pay £52 million for him in the summer.

The 24-year-old is still relatively young, and he could improve with coaching and experience. He might be able to justify the investment in future.

Inacio will want to compete at a high-level and fight for major trophies. Manchester United are well placed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the next season, and it is fair to assume that he will want to join a club competing in the Champions League. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea and Liverpool manage to finish in the top five as well. Otherwise, it could give Manchester United an advantage in the race.