Man Utd to sign Portuguese star instead of Branthwaite?

Manchester United could step up their interest in signing Goncalo Inacio from Sporting Lisbon in the coming days, according to A Bola.

The Red Devils are currently eyeing a new central defender and the club are in negotiations with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite.

However, a deal is far from straightforward with the Toffees reluctant to sanction his sale for anything less than £70 million.

United's opening offer of £43m was recently rejected and they are quite clear that they won't pay more than £50m for his services.

Should the Toffees refuse to lower their demands, United could make a move for Inacio, who has been on their radar since 2022.

Inacio currently has a release clause worth £51m and it is claimed that the club could directly trigger the value to purchase him.

The Portuguese is a left-footed centre-back similar to Branthwaite. He is capable of operating from both sides of central defence.

Liverpool are also admirers of the highly-rated Portuguese star.