Portuguese giants set out terms for Manchester United and Newcastle United target

Portuguese giants Sporting reportedly have ‘made it clear’ just how much it will take to persuade them to part company with highly-rated centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

The four-times capped Portugal Under-21 international has forged a reputation as one of European football’s most promising defenders since breaking into the Sporting side just over a year ago.

His form in the Primiera Liga and the Champions League has provoked interest from a number of clubs with the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United, AC Milan, PSG and Barcelona all said to be monitoring his progress in recent months.

Reports of initial interest from the Red Devils came in May when The Mirror suggested they would ‘go head-to-head’ with Newcastle to bring Inacio to the Premier League.

The Magpies were said to have been unsuccessful with an offer during the January transfer window but still retain an interest making the 20-year-old defender part of their ambitious plans for the future.

More recent reports in Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha has suggested Erik ten Hag’s side are now at the front of the queue for Inacio’s signature and could make a firm move ahead the Dutch manager’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is currently working on a deal to secure Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez as he looks to strengthen his defensive options and Inacio is also said to be on his wishlist.

Correio de Manha has now reported Sporting are ready to set out their terms for the sale of the young defender after rejecting offers of around £30million from PSG and Newcastle in recent weeks.

The centre-back still has four years remaining on his current deal at the Jose Alvalade Stadium and that has encouraged Sporting to hold out for the release clause placed into the contract he signed earlier this year.

That means only an offer of £38.3million will move any willing suitor closer to capturing the signature of one of Portuguese football’s most promising stars.