Newcastle open talks to sign £45million Sporting Lisbon defender also firmly on radar of Man Utd

Newcastle United have reportedly held discussions with representatives of a Sporting Lisbon defender ahead of a potential summer deal, although Manchester United are also in the running for the player.

Eddie Howe is expected to be heavily backed again in the summer transfer window, especially if Newcastle finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season.

And it appears that the Toon chief is looking to bolster his backline despite the fact that Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season.

Sporting star Goncalo Inacio is the player in question, with the 21-year-old viewed as one of the best young defensive talents in European football.

Football Insider reports that his agents have been in Italy, Spain and England speaking to prospective clubs in a bid to land their client a big-money move at the end of the current campaign.

The report adds that, despite Howe being happy with his current squad, Newcastle’s owners are ready to put their financial muscle on show to land some marquee additions.

They will, however, face major competition for Inacio, who is also being courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs as well as Manchester United.

Football Insider adds that a deal worth around £45million is likely to secure the Portugal international’s signature, with Inacio expected to quit Sporting in the summer.

The defender certainly fits the profile of what Howe is looking for in terms of being a young player that still has room for development.

Newcastle, Man Utd urged to act fast in Inacio chase

It’s also understood that both English clubs are being pushed to move quickly for Inacio before European rivals try and strike a deal.

Much of the centre-back’s success this season has stemmed from Sporting’s European exploits under Ruben Amorim.

The Sporting boss is a major target for both Tottenham and Chelsea in their search for a new manager this summer.

However, should Amorim end up at either London club, then there is a strong chance he will look to bring Inacio with him.

With that in mind, the two Uniteds may have to act quickly and strike as soon as the summer window opens.

Newcastle are back in action on Sunday when they host Tottenham in a back clash for the top-four spots.

United, meanwhile, will tackle Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley later the same day.

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