Manchester United step up their interest in Sporting Lisbon duo Goncalo Inacio and Morten Hjulmand, according to a report.
Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Goncalo Inacio and Morten Hjulmand, with the Red Devils determined to sign the Sporting Lisbon duo this summer.
The Red Devils are expected to sign at least one new centre-back in the current market, while a central midfielder and centre-forward are also set to move to Old Trafford.
According to A Bola, Man United are ‘prepared to advance’ on deals for both Inacio and Hjulmand, with the pair viewed as leading targets by the 20-time English champions.
The report claims that the double move could cost Erik ten Hag‘s side as much as £118.4m, with the Premier League club therefore needing to make some substantial sales before it becomes realistic.
Indeed, the release clause in Inacio’s contract is said to be around £50.7m, with Hjulmand having a £67.7m buy-out fee entered into his deal upon his arrival from Lecce last summer.
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Man United ‘want both Inacio, Hjulmand’
Inacio came through the youth system at Sporting, and he has represented his current side on 171 occasions in all competitions, scoring an impressive 15 goals and registering nine assists from central defence.
The Portugal international was a key player for his club during the 2023-24 campaign, meanwhile, managing four goals and one assist in 49 appearances in all competitions.
Man United will sign at least one new centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane‘s departure on a free transfer at the end of the month already been confirmed.
However, there have been suggestions that Victor Lindelof could also leave, while Jonny Evans has still not signed a new contract, so two new centre-backs could move to Old Trafford.
Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille‘s Leny Yoro are also admired, but neither transfer is close at this moment in time, with a deal for Inacio therefore potentially being focused on.
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Hjulmand has impressed for Denmark at Euro 2024
Inacio has only played 27 minutes of football for Portugal at Euro 2024 this summer, but Hjulmand has started both of Denmark’s matches, featuring for 89 minutes against Slovenia and 82 minutes against England.
The central midfielder scored a long-range goal in Denmark’s 1-1 draw with England last time out, and it is believed that scouts from the Red Devils are watching him at the tournament.
Like Inacio, Hjulmand was a key player for Sporting last season, featuring on 51 occasions in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering four assists in the process.
Man United could allow both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to leave this summer, while Donny van de Beek will definitely be on his way out on a permanent basis before the end of the transfer window.
Bruno Fernandes has also been linked with what would be a shock departure, but it is thought to be highly unlikely that the club captain will exit this summer.