Premier League outfit Newcastle United have not given up on Goncalo Inacio and scouted the Sporting Lisbon defender last weekend, according to A Bola.
When it comes to Inacio, it seems that the Magpies are not taking ‘no’ for an answer.
Nor are they going to be put off by the brand new deal he signed at the reigning Portuguese champions only a couple of weeks ago.
Inacio is now under contract until 2026. That new deal does contain a £37 million release clause, however. Mere pocket change to Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners, even if – contrary to popular belief – the Tynesiders are not planning to splash the cash willy-nilly in a style reminiscent of a few state-owned superclubs.
According to A Bola, Newcastle failed with a £25 million bid for Inacio in January.
Refusing to accept defeat, Eddie Howe’s upwardly-mobile side reportedly scouted the Portugal U21 international during Sporting’s 3-1 victory over Tondela on Saturday.
And while it is Inacio’s commanding defending that often hogged the headlines, the 20-year-old showcased his talents at the other end of the pitch in front of those Tyneside talentspotters.
Inacio opened the scoring against Tondela with an outrageous 25-yard strike, hammered into the back of the net via the outside of his trusty left boot.
A graduate of Sporting Lisbon’s feted academy system, Inacio has now scored an impressive five goals this term from centre-back. He also earned his first ever Portugal call up during the March international break
And you can expect Newcastle to step up their interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Especially with Sven Botman, the club’s number one centre-back target, agreeing terms with Serie A giants AC Milan instead.
Newcastle are also big admirers of Freiburg’s Nico Schlotterbeck. Though they will face competition from a Tottenham Hotspur side in the market for a new left-sided centre-half (Athletic).
