Man Utd willing to pay Gonçalo Inácio's release clause

manchester united are prepared to activate the release clause of Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio after Erik ten Hag requested his signing this summer, according to Transfers.

The 22-year-old Portuguese international has established himself as a key player for Sporting CP and his impressive performances have caught the attention of Manchester United managers.

The report claims that Ten Hag has requested the club sign Inácio and that Man Utd are now “willing' pay the defenders a £51m release clause to complete a deal this summer.

Inácio has proven to be a reliable defender for Sporting CP in both the Portuguese league and European competitions. He has the physique and technicality to succeed in the first division and could prove to be a major upgrade for players like Jonny Evans next season.

Manchester United have conceded 34 goals in 25 league games and will have to strengthen at the back if they want to compete for the league title next season. Signing a quality central defender should be a priority for them and Inácio would be an interesting addition.

Inacio would be an investment for the future

The £51m release clause might seem like a premium at the moment for a player yet to play outside of Portugal, but Inácio has the potential to justify the investment in the coming seasons.

He has the attributes to become a world-class defender and could prove to be a key player for the Red Devils in the foreseeable future if they manage to lure him to Old Trafford.

Inácio may be looking to take the next step in his career this summer and regular football in England could accelerate his development and help him reach his potential.

However, United are not the only big European club showing interest and will face a battle to sign Inácio this summer.