Newcastle United want to sign a new defender to help bolster their backline.
According to recent reports, Eddie Howe has identified Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio as his top defensive target.
That’s according to Football Insider, who claim Inacio, 22, could become the Magpies’ next marquee signing.
Wanting a new centre-back to help provide competition and cover for the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, Howe, although preferring to bring in a right-sided defender, could turn to Inacio, who can play either side of a centre-back pairing.
And despite Sporting Lisbon being eager to retain the 22-year-old for the remainder of the season, with the defender’s contract containing a £52 million release clause, should Newcastle, or any other club, activate it, the Portuguese side would be powerless when it comes to negotiations.
Since being promoted to Sporting’s senior first-team in 2020, Inacio, who has four years left on his deal, has directly contributed to 19 goals in 131 games in all competitions.