Newcastle United are reportedly ready to pay big money for a new centre-back this summer.
A central defender has always been on Newcastle United’s agenda heading into the summer transfer window, but the need for one has only intensified since news of Sven Botman‘s injury.
The Dutchman is going to be out of action for a long time with an ACL injury, with a recovery period of between six and nine months.
Jamaal Lascelles will take his place in the meantime, but the summer transfer window gives Newcastle the chance to bring someone in.
And one player they are reportedly looking at is Goncalo Inacio.
Goncalo Inacio is a ‘priority’ transfer target for Newcastle United
The Magpies did look at signing Goncalo Inacio during the January transfer window, and now the Portugal international is on Newcastle United’s radar once again.
According to Record, Inacio is a priority target for the Magpies this summer. They state that Eddie Howe’s side are not going to be put off by his release clause, with the 22-year-old able to leave Sporting for £52million.
That would make him the third most expensive signing in Newcastle United’s history, behind Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali. It would also make him the most expensive defender that Newcastle have ever bought.
It is a premium price for a top level defender, and someone who is capable of playing on either the left or the right. He is predominantly left-footed, but that versatility means he could play alongside Sven Botman when he returns to fitness. That is certainly very appealing, and could give Newcastle belief that he is worth the money that Sporting are looking for.
Newcastle also looked at Ousmane Diomande
The Magpies have also been linked with another Sporting defender – Ousmane Diomande. He is another option for Howe, and journalist Graeme Bailey recently told Geordie Boot Boys that he thinks the 20-year-old could be the man to arrive at St James’ Park this summer.
He is certainly on Newcastle’s radar, with Toon scouts enjoying plenty of trips to Portugal in recent months. They have watched Diomande closely, and they will also have seen Inacio.
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