Man Utd, Liverpool target takes drastic action to force PL switch; two-way €45m battle now underway

Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio has ‘frozen contract talks’ with the Portuguese club, amid links to Manchester United and Liverpool. 

The Premier League rivals are both looking to make improvements to their defence. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them make a move for the 21-year-old.

Indeed, Inacio is considered to be one of the best young defenders in Europe. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top for his signature.

Man Utd have been heavily linked with a move for Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae. This is partly due to the fact that Harry Maguire could leave the club this summer.

However, it seems Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in more than one defender this summer. As reported by TEAMtalk, Man Utd are poised to battle Liverpool for Inacio this summer.

The Merseysiders were the first to register an interest in the Sporting star, but the Red Devils have seemingly hatched a plan to scupper their plans.

Now, Inacio has reportedly taken drastic action as he looks to push through a switch to the Premier League.

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Inacio ‘freezes’ Sporting contract talks

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Tribal Football), Inacio has ‘frozen contract talks’ with Sporting to try and seal a move away from the club.

His current deal is valid until 2026. It also includes a release clause worth €45m (approx. £38.7m), so, Man Utd and Liverpool can sign him for that amount, as it stands.

Considering Inacio’s potential, that fee could prove to be a major bargain. This season, the Portugal international has made 33 league appearances for Sporting, scoring one goal.

He also made six appearances in the Champions League, so he has a lot of experience at a high level, especially for a young player.

Now, with Inacio reportedly ‘hoping for a Premier League move,’ it will be interesting to see if Man Utd or Liverpool match his €45m price tag.

If they do, it will be up to the player to decide between the two bitter rivals. Man Utd have Champions League football to offer, so in that sense, they are currently the more attractive destination.

But, looking at it another way, if the Red Devils do sign Min-jae, Inacio may struggle to break into Ten Hag’s starting XI.

In contrast, he could potentially slot straight into Liverpool’s starting XI along Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate.

Clearly, Inacio is a player to keep an eye out for this summer.

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