Manchester United 'scouting' Portuguese international and more transfer rumours

Man United, according to reports, are already pressing ahead with plans to try and strengthen their centre-back options ahead of 2024.

Posted Friday, October 06, 2023 by Manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United 'scouting' Portuguese international and more transfer rumours
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

Manchester United are 'gearing up' for a January transfer window swoop for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

That is according to a report by The Sun, which claims that the Reds, who face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, have 'sent a scout' to Portugal to keep an eye on his development. The 22-year-old is establishing himself as one of the most sought-after centre-backs in European football at this moment in time.

United have already drawn up transfer plans for 2024 and strengthening their central-defensive options is set to be a leading objective. They are currently without Lisandro Martinez and injury issues across the backline have already plagued them so far this season.

Inacio, who joined Sporting as a youth player more than a decade ago, is a key fixture for the Portuguese heavyweights, starting each of their opening eight matches in all competitions so far this season, helping them keep three clean sheets. He also played and scored twice for Portugal in their 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg last month.

Despite only being 22, Inacio has already played 130 times for Sporting at senior level, chipping in with 11 goals and eight assists. He made a total of 52 appearances last season, scoring four times.

Furthermore, the report states that the scout United have reportedly to Portugal to watch the defender has been 'ordered' to watch him in person 'at least three times a month'. It is claimed that he attended the weekend's 3-2 win over Farense.

Meanwhile, United are also said to be 'interested' in signing Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. That is according to a report by the Daily Mail, which claims that youngster has made his way onto the club's 'radar'.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, has established himself as a key fixture within manager Sean Dyche's plans at Goodison Park so far this season. He has made six appearances this term, starting five of the Toffees' opening seven Premier League matches.

Last season's stint in the Netherlands has been the making of the former Blackburn Rovers loanee. He made a total of 36 appearances, scoring four goals, benefitting from playing regular top-flight football for the first time.

Branthwaite impressed former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy during his spell at PSV, so much so that Manchester City have also been credited with interest in his signature. It is also reported, however, that the defender is 'in talks' with Everton concerning a new contract.