Fabrizio Romano expects Manchester United and Liverpool to compete for 22 y/o defender

Manchester United are on the lookout for new centre-backs but it remains to be seen how many will be brought in to bolster the defence.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past is Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

Inacio was part of a title-winning campaign under Ruben Amorim, with the side missing out on the Double after losing the Taca de Portugal final against FC Porto.

The Reds need to strengthen their centre-back options this summer, especially with Raphael Varane set to leave the club this month when his contract expires. Inacio has emerged as a target yet again with the Portuguese press running stories about a potential switch to Old Trafford.

According to O Jogo, United are ‘targeting’ a move for Inacio ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

The 22-year-old made 49 appearances for Sporting this season, scoring four goals and showing that availability is one of his strong points.

Inacio will represent Portugal at Euro 2024 and we’ll all get a chance to watch him closer. A good tournament will undoubtedly lead to a flurry of speculation.

Manchester United to compete with rivals for Inacio transfer

Moreover, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Inacio’s future.

The Italian reporter claims United and Liverpool could go head-to-head for Inacio’s signature this summer.

“Goncalo Inacio is being scouted and monitored by Liverpool and Manchester United. These two clubs are showing interest. Let’s see if they decided to start the proper negotiation, but the interest is there, the release clause is there, and so Goncalo Inacio could be a really interesting situation ahead of the summer transfer window with many clubs around Europe looking for left-footed centre-backs,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“We know that Liverpool and Manchester United could be in the race for Goncalo Inacio this summer, so keep a close eye on that one.”

Is Inacio what United need?

United need more centre-back options renowned for getting the ball forward and launching attacks. A right-footer to Raphael Varane, and a left-footed to provide back-up for Lisandro Martinez.

Inacio is a defender who excels on the ball and is dominant in the air. A player I don’t think will have any shortage of interest this summer.

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