Old Trafford transfer “still on the agenda” as Man United “harassment” continues

Manchester United are still pursuing a deal for Portugal and Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio but are facing competition, according to reports.

Manchester United are looking to sign a central defender in the next two windows, with two players potentially departing Erik ten Hag’s squad before the start of next season.

Jonny Evans, who was drafted in as an emergency option, has a contract that only lasts until the end of this season, and Raphaël Varane’s deal expires in June 2024 unless the club decide to trigger the option to extend it in the coming weeks.

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With this in mind, United have been scouting and deciding ahead of the next two windows, and reports from Portugal claim that they see 22-year-old Gonçalo Inácio as an ideal candidate – but that they face competition from Real Madrid.

This is according to outlet Leonino, which claims that the “harassment” from both clubs continues as they battle to sign the player, as translated by Sport Witness.

It is claimed that high-ups at Sporting are already preparing to replace Inácio should he move either in January or the summer.

Further to this, Record adds that United also face competition from both Liverpool and Newcastle United, with the player continuing to be “on the agenda” at Old Trafford.

Manager Rúben Amorim has previously stated that the Portuguese defender will not be leaving clubs unless his release clause is activated, which currently stands at £52 million.