Manchester United are expected to begin talks in a push to bring in Sporting Lisbon player Gonçalo Inácio to Rúben Amorim’s side this summer.
Manchester United are set to open talks soon over a potential move for Gonçalo Inácio, with manager Ruben Amorim keen to reunite with his former Sporting CP defender at Old Trafford.
CaughtOffside report that they were informed by sources close to the situation that the United manager is “really keen” to work with Inácio again following their time together at Sporting as he was one of his favourite players.
United will join fellow Premier League teams Liverpool and Man City in the race to get the 23-year-old’s signature.
With defence looking to be one of United’s main priorities to bolster in the summer, United could now move to the front of the queue in the race to sign the Portuguese centre-back.
The latest centre-back to be linked
With a major summer rebuild pending, a number of players are being linked, with reinforcements in every position looking to be needed for next season.
Jarrad Branthwaite is a recent name that has emerged as being linked to a move to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old looking increasingly likely to leave Everton at the end of this season.
In order to sign Inácio this summer, the Portuguese newspaper A Bola have reported that the club would need to submit an offer of around £40 million.
United have already strengthened their defence this season, bringing in Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu from Lecce.
With Victor Lindelof is nearing the end of his contract, and there could even be an exit path for Harry Maguire if the conditions are right, there is certainly room for both Inácio and Branthwaite, with the three centre-back system that Amorim deploys.
Inacio vs Branthwaite – Who fits best?
Inacio’s major advantage is that he has already played under Amorim, with the centre-back being a key figure in a back three, the same system Amorim is trying to play at Old Trafford.
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Branthwaite however has valuable Premier League experience, and at just 22, he’s already played 69 times for Everton in the league.
Inacio offers versatility, being comfortable playing as the left centre back, or the central centre back, while Branthwaite, standing at 6’5″ offers some much needed physicality and aerial dominance.
Both players have been valued similarly by their respective club, but it looks like if United want an instant impact with someone who fits seamlessly into Amorim’s tactical setup, then Inacio looks like the better option, but if you want a long-term, Premier League upside, Branthwaite would be better suited.
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