Newcastle United have shown an interest in signing Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio as they desperately pursue signings before Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to Portuguese newspaper Record, who claim that Newcastle have been trying to sign two Sporting players.
The first was midfielder Joao Palhinha, with defender Inacio being the second target on Newcastle’s radar.
Newcastle are desperate to sign Inacio, but it doesn’t look like Sporting are in any mood to sell key players in the coming hours.
Inacio scored on Saturday night, helping Sporting beat Lisbon rivals Benfica to win the Taca da Liga.
With Sporting hoping to chase Porto down in the league, key players like Palhinha and Inacio won’t be sold from underneath boss Ruben Amorim.
That’s another defender to cross off Newcastle’s list, which has been a recurring theme throughout the January transfer window.
The Magpies have struggled to get a centre back this month and head towards the deadline without securing a signing there.
The likes of Sven Botman, Diego Carlos, Benoit Badiashile, Nico Schlotterbeck and even Dan Burn have all been linked, but none have signed.
Newcastle may have looked towards Inacio as an alternative given that he fits the mould of a left-sided centre back.
Eddie Howe seemingly wants a left-footed option, hence links to Botman, Badiashile, Schlotterbeck and Burn, among others.
Nathan Ake thrived in that left-sided centre back role under Howe and Inacio has impressed there for Sporting.
Quick and capable of playing out from the back, 20-year-old Inacio looks to have a huge future ahead of him.
Nicknamed ‘the boss’ at such a young age, Inacio could be a star for years to come – and Newcastle may just hold out some hope for a summer deal.
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