Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race for Manchester United target Goncalo Inacio from Sporting Lisbon ahead of a move next summer.
Manchester United have been linked with the Portuguese defender by The Mirror as Erik ten Hag had included the Sporting Lisbon man on his four-man list of targets.
Harry Maguire, who looked likely to leave the club last summer, has improved drastically and the report stated that Goncalo Inacio was seen as a replacement for the Englishman.
Interestingly, were United to make a move for the defender, the Mirror’s report states that he has the same agent as Bruno Fernandes, Miguel Pinho.
Real Madrid’s interest
A potential big spanner in the works here is the interest that is emanating from Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, who are a much more attractive prospect right now.
According to a report from Diario AS, Los Blancos are keen on making a move for the 22-year-old defender in January to try and beat the competition for his signature, namely United and Liverpool.
The highly rated defender has a £54 million release clause in his contract according to the report and the Spanish giants want to trigger that clause in the winter.
Missing out on Inacio would be a big blow for the Red Devils but there are plenty of other options.
United’s options
Depending on how Lisandro Martinez returns from his injury, United may target just a right-sided centre-back or a right and left-sided centre-back.
Jean-Clair Todibo may well be possible if Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his minority takeover at Old Trafford due to his ownership of OGC Nice.
Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva reportedly complete the shortlist according to The Mirror’s report so there are indeed plenty of other options for United to look into.
Jarrad Branthwaite has also been linked with United and he could be the wildcard fifth option for the Red Devils.
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