Reports in Portugal suggest Newcastle are very keen on 21-year-old defender

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Newcastle United maintain an interest in Sporting’s young defender Goncalo Inacio after failed bids last year.

A report from Portuguese publication Record have said (via Sports Witness) that Newcastle are still looking to land Goncalo Inacio this summer and have claimed that Sporting have said they have received constant ‘harrassment’ from Newcastle regarding the availability of the 21-year-old.

Goncalo Inacio was the subject of a £25million bid from Newcastle last January when we brought in Dan Burn, but Sporting weren’t willing to sell.

Sporting are trying to tie Inacio down to a new deal to increase the release clause

The centre-back is believed to have a release clause of around £40million which Newcastle would be keen to activate, however Sporting are in constant talks with Inacio over a new deal which will see the release clause figure rise to closer to £70million, but the player wants a clause closer to £60million.

Inacio has played in all but one of Sporting’s league games this season and has even popped up with three assists. Crucially, he’s also made six appearances in this season’s Champions League which is perfect for Newcastle as they look to add players with European experience for next term.

Another left-footed centre-back, he would be seen as an alternative to Sven Botman as the Magpies look set to play out an extended fixture list next season. Cover will be needed for every position to ensure there’s no burn-out.

Newcastle could swoop for Inacio and Ugarte from Sporting

Sporting are aware they may need to sell this summer to balance the books, but they are determined to get top dollar for Inacio. Newcastle are interested in Manuel Ugarte who also plays for Sporting, so there could be a double-swoop on the cards from the Magpies.

If there’s a deal to be done here he sounds like a top player for Eddie Howe. Young yet experienced. Perfect for what Howe is building at Newcastle. Ugarte would also be a superb signing. If we can agree a deal for both players it would be a fantastic piece of business by Newcastle.