Newcastle United are still keen on securing a transfer for versatile defender Goncalo Inacio, despite Sporting Lisbon preparing to announce the Portuguese has signed a new contract.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note the Magpies will keep Inacio on their radar for the next summer market. Even though Fabrizio Romano has claimed Sporting have reached an agreement with the 20-year-old over a new deal that will extend his contract to 2026.
Inacio is likely to put pen to paper in the coming days to add an extra year to his terms. His new deal will also keep the €45m (£37.5m) release clause Sporting used to rebuff offers in January. They were under no pressure to sell as the centre-back is under lock until 2025.
Yet Newcastle tested Sporting Lisbon’s resolve to selling Inacio during the January transfer window following their Saudi-backed takeover. Desporto Ao Minuto reported the Magpies offered €30m (£25m) during the mid-season sales. But the Leoes swiftly rejected the bid.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas told Newcastle from the start that the Jose Alvalade Stadium natives would not accept the offer. So, the Toon had to trigger the break clause in his existing terms if Eddie Howe wanted the talented, young centre-half at St James’ Park.
Newcastle still in CB market despite failed swoop for Sporting’s Inacio
Inacio is a key element of Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim’s plans with 33 appearances across all competitions this term. He has also scored four goals and provided two assists. Only injuries have kept the Portugal international from featuring in seven further fixtures.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will keep Inacio on their transfer radar as Howe continues to look at refreshing his defence. The Toon added Dan Burn from Brighton at the end of January. But Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett are set to be out of contract at the end of the campaign.
United are discussing an extension with Schar, per The Telegraph. But Emil Krafth, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez also have uncertain futures with their deals ending in 2023.
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