On Tuesday, when Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported Sporting’s deal for the contract renewal of Gonçalo Inácio, they recalled Newcastle United’s interest in the player.
The outlet pointed out the Magpies offered €30m for the defender in January, and even though there was no information on a new attempt, it was said he’d now cost €40m this summer.
Now as Jornal de Notícias comes up to report the contract extension, Newcastle’s interest is mentioned once again, but the difference is that the St. James Park’s side are said to still be interested.
The newspaper writes that despite the new contract Inácio is getting, the fact he’s keeping the same €45m release clause will ‘keep the centre-back in the radar of some European sides, especially Newcastle’.
Jornal de Notícias also recalls that the Magpies’ €30m attempt in January was turned down, but now makes it sound like the club could now come back for him.
The report claims Sporting should ‘keep the same stance as in January’, when they responded to the offers by showing the price of the release clause.
Still, it’s said the €45m price tag should not stop Newcastle, who would try to negotiate for around €40m.
Until the summer, more clubs are expected to join the race, but for now, the only side that sounds like a threat to take Inácio from Sporting appears to be the Magpies.
