Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio is stalling on a new contract as Manchester United consider signing him.
That is according to a report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, who claim that Inacio has frozen talks on a new deal.
Sporting have been desperate to tie Inacio down to a new deal with his release clause a cause for concern.
Inacio’s current release clause stands at €45million (£38.5million), but Sporting want to increase that value to €60million (£51million).
Inacio is now stalling, seemingly believing that he could earn a big move by not committing to Sporting’s terms.
Liverpool and Manchester United are both mentioned as potential destinations for Inacio, who has excelled for Sporting.
The Portuguese giants will now be fearing losing Inacio this summer – but a move to United would be a surprise.
Goncalo Inacio would be a surprise Manchester United signing
Inacio is a promising defender. The 21-year-old joined Sporting as a kid, leaving hometown club Almada for a shot with the Lisbon giants.
Inacio has impressed in more than 100 first-team appearances for Sporting and picked up his first senior Portugal cap earlier this year.
From a talent perspective, Inacio ticks the boxes for United; young, quick, comfortable on the ball and full of potential.
There is one key factor that makes us doubt a move will actually happen – Inacio is left-footed.
United invested big money in a left-footed defender last summer as Lisandro Martinez arrived and became a fan favourite.
Erik ten Hag loves using a left-sided centre back, hence the massive outlay on a player he knew well in Martinez.
Ten Hag has been very comfortable using Luke Shaw in that role and the England international didn’t disappoint him.
United need to use their funds widely this summer; Mason Mount and a new striker will be top priorities, certainly more so than another left-footed defender.
A right-sided centre back like Kim Min-Jae seems much more likely and we really can’t see Inacio arriving at Old Trafford.
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