Man Utd 'add Goncalo Inacio to four-man shortlist' as Fabrizio Romano drops transfer update

Manchester United have added Goncalo Inacio to their four-man transfer shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils spent over €200 million on the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund last summer.

However, Erik ten Hag is already looking ahead to the winter transfer window, as he attempts to freshen up his back line.

The United boss was forced to rely on a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and 35-year-old Jonny Evans during their dramatic 2-1 win over Brentford, in the absence of first-choice duo Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

In turn, Ten Hag is eager to add a new centre-back to his ranks, with Romano providing an update on the Dutchman's search.

The Italian tweeted: "Understand Manchester United have also added Gonçalo Inacio to their list of centre-backs now being monitored/scouted.

"Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Tapsoba remain in the list. No final decision now, it will take time; based on player skills, reports, price and more."

However, United could face competition for Inacio's signature, with Premier League rivals Liverpool also thought to be interested in the 22-year-old defender.

That's according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Liverpool are ‘in search of a defender in the January transfer market and one of the names in their sights is’ Inacio.

The report adds that Inacio has a release clause of €60m (£52m) and Sporting ‘would not be willing to let him go easily’.

Meanwhile, Spanish publication Defensa Central state that Real Madrid have ‘joined the race’ for Inacio.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly keen to add another centre-back to his ranks in January, with David Alaba and Eder Militao currently sidelined with injuries, while captain Nacho Fernandez is not getting any younger.

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Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Fabrizio Romano, Sporting Lisbon

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno