Sporting title winner tips two Ruben Amorim stars to sign for Real and Atletico Madrid, ‘he’s a killer’

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Ruben Amorim has expressed his reluctance to sign any of Sporting’s stars during the January transfer window.

Out of respect for his former club, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will not seek to weaken them by signing any of their players mid-season.

While United could explore a loophole and try to land Geovany Quenda on the basis he would sign in the summer, Amorim is expected to stick to his word.

It’s a new era at Sporting with Joao Pereira taking over, but with Amorim gone, the challenge to hold onto their stars is high.

Inacio tipped for Real Madrid

Ruben Amorim handed debuts to 27 academy players at Sporting, and centre-back Goncalo Inacio was one of the most successful.

The Portugal defender has been on Manchester United’s radar. With Amorim preferring a three-at-the back system and Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans’ deals expiring next year, a move for Inacio makes sense.

According to two-time Sporting title-winner Adan, who played under Amorim, Inacio has the ability to play for Real Madrid, another of his own former clubs.

He said: “I see him as a great player and I’m sure he’ll end up playing for a big European club or, at least, for leagues that are more important than the Portuguese one.

“He has the characteristics of a great player, possibly for Real Madrid. Although he’s still young, I believe he has the potential to play for these clubs.”

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Gyokeres to Atletico Madrid

One player on Manchester United’s radar is expected to be Sporting’s prolific striker Victor Gyokeres, who netted a hat-trick against City.

Considering United’s struggle for goals, and Gyokeres’ fit for Amorim’s system, the expected £63 million fee for him next summer looks extremely tempting.

Adan explained: “I think he’s a player with the profile of Atletico Madrid. Physically he’s a beast, potentially he’s an animal and in front of goal he’s a killer.

“It seemed like it would be impossible to repeat what he did last season and he’s already scored that many goals. What’s more, this year he’s playing a leading role in the Champions League.”

Gyokeres will be in the thoughts of all of Europe’s striker-needy top clubs, some of who be Premier League rivals. But Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford certainly gives United an advantage, budget permitting.