Manchester United watched Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in action against Benfica on Sunday evening, according to the Correio da Manha.

The Portuguese tabloid claims that the Red Devils sent scouts to keep an eye on the centre-back as they ponder a bid for the player ahead of the January transfer window.

Inacio has a €60m (£52.6m) release clause in his contract, but it is believed that United may look to match the price using add-ons and installments.

Correio da Manha claim that United’s opening offer would likely include €45m (£39.5m) upfront and another €15m (£13.1m) in performance-related bonuses.

Inacio has attracted interest from teams across Europe

In addition to United, it is thought that both Liverpool and Real Madrid had observers present for the Lisbon derby at the weekend, with the two teams there to scout the Portuguese international. Chelsea have been linked with the player in recent months as well.

It is not a surprise that so many are taking a keen interest in Inacio. He is left-footed, which makes him a rare commodity, while he is still only 22 years of age, so there is potential for him to improve as a defender in the future.

United are in the market for a defender

Trusted journalists, including Fabrizio Romano, claim that manager Erik ten Hag is prioritising a move for a centre-half in January.

The Manchester club have been heavily linked with the likes of Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo but they have also looked at Inacio, Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

Out of the four defenders, Inacio would probably be the most attainable due to his buyout clause, but we shall have to wait and see if he is United’s No.1 target.

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