Real Madrid plot sensational January move for Man Utd target

Stuart Telford

• 2 Nov 2023 08:53 CDT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are hopeful of beating Manchester United to the signing of Sporting CP starlet Goncalo Inacio in January according to reports in Spain.

United, as well as Liverpool, have scouted Inacio for some time. The talented 22-year-old already has four senior Portugal caps to his name having impressed since his Sporting debut in 2020.

United have endured a defensive injury crisis this season, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane variously on the sidelines, and it was understood they had pulled to the front of the queue for Inacio's signature.

READ: Man Utd shortlist long-time Liverpool target - Romano

But Real's own plans at the heart of their defence were rocked when Eder Militao tore his anterior cruciate ligament in August, and they are ready to throw money at their problem position in January.

Inacio to Real for €60m

"Madrid are looking for a new signing to replace Militao; Goncalo Inacio, Sporting's centre-back, will arrive for €60 million," reports Radio MARCA's Pedro Pablo Parrado. "Jorge Mendes has recommended his player to Real and Florentino Perez has given it the thumbs up."

A €60m fee may be twice as much as the €30m Inacio is valued at by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but at 22 he still has many years to grow, and his youth in particular will appeal to Real.

READ: Real Madrid 'CERTAIN' to complete 'most desired signing'

With Militao injured, their three most-used centre-backs this season have been Antonio Rudiger (30 years old), David Alaba (31) and Nacho (33). Aurelien Tchouameni was even used as a stop-gap in the 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.

Sporting handed Inacio a new four-year contract in August, but the €60m release clause therein has served as an invitation to buy rather than a deterrent for Real.

Inacio would follow a rich history of Sporting academy graduates to star for Madrid - one that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.