Man Utd prepared to pay £51m to sign 22yo league winner this month – report | OneFootball

Manchester United could sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio by triggering the release clause in his contract, according to A Bola (today’s edition).

The Red Devils are currently in negotiations with Everton over the transfer of Jarrad Branthwaite. They have agreed personal terms with the centre-back, but the fee remains a stumbling block.

United have proposed to pay £35 million plus £8m in easy add-ons for the 21-year-old, but the Toffees are reluctant to accept anything less than £70m.

The club are readying an improved proposal for the Englishman, but they are quite clear that they won’t be held to ransom.

If the Toffees persist with their stance, United are open to pursuing alternative targets.

Sporting are reportedly trying to sell Ousmane Diomande before the end of June to balance their books. They are willing to accept £42-51m for his exit.

However, the club are wary that they could lose Inacio instead. United are one of the clubs preparing to trigger his £51m release clause this month.

United could consider Inacio as an alternative to Branthwaite

The Red Devils consider Branthwaite their ideal summer target. The 21-year-old has strong defensive attributes and can operate from both central defensive positions despite being left-footed.

However, United are unlikely to pay over the odds and are prepared to walk away from negotiations if the Toffees refuse to reduce their valuation.

Inacio could emerge as an alternative. The Portuguese has been on the club’s radar for the past couple of years, but there has been no formal approach.

The Primeira Liga winner may need some time to adapt to the Premier League, but he would be a quality acquisition.

He is also left-footed but has played on the right side of the back three at Sporting. United could make an offer for him if a deal for Branthwaite does not materialise.