Newcastle contact defender’s agent – Magpies take first step for summer signing

Newcastle United are reportedly making moves for Sporting defender Gonçalo Inácio.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reveals that the Magpies have recently been in touch with the player’s agent to speak about a summer transfer.

This approach to representative Miguel Pinho took place in recent days, with Newcastle ‘evaluating’ the possibility of the signing.

The Magpies, however, are still to get in touch with Sporting, as they shall only do that after they analyse the conditions.

Inácio is protected by a €45m release clause, and according to O Jogo, Lions’ president Frederico Varandas will not let him move for less than that.

Sporting are actually trying to give the player a new contract, with a new clause, to make his departure harder, and the talks for an extension are already taking place.

O Jogo highlights there’s big interest from the Premier League, where Manchester United have also been in touch for the signing, so Newcastle should know they’re not alone in this quest.

The Portuguese media had already reported Magpies interest in the player, and this story makes it clear the club are taking the first steps to make the transfer happen.