Newcastle United have shown the most interest in Sporting Club de Portugal defender Gonçalo Inácio as they look to bolster their squad for next season.
That’s according to Record, who say there has been constant ‘harassment’ from the Magpies for the defender ahead of the summer.
The newspaper explains that Sporting are in constant talks with the defender over a new deal which would add a year to his current contract and increase his release clause to €80m. At the moment, though, the player is refusing to go beyond €70m.
Either way, Sporting are determined to get him signed to a new deal as they know about the growing interest in the player, particularly from Newcastle.
They are aware that he has a €45m release clause in his current contract, a figure that is more than acceptable to them.
They’re interested because he is still only 21-years-old, a left footed but also capable of playing on the right side, all abilities that make him one of the ‘most wanted’ defenders in Europe.
They are also aware that Sporting need to sell to balance the books and Inácio is one of the players they may look to sell, a situation they’re looking to take advantage of.
He may not be the only Sporting player to arrive at Newcastle this summer either, with teammate Manuel Ugarte also ‘being coveted’ by the Magpies.
He is another player in the squad who Sporting could sell to raise funds and Record say Eddie Howe’s side are one of several clubs keeping an eye on his development ahead of the summer transfer window.
