Manchester United are reportedly prepared to trigger the release clause in the contract of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio next year.
Erik ten Hag's staunch backline kept a league-high 17 clean sheets last term, but defence has been a problem area for the Red Devils during their turbulent start to the new season.
Lisandro Martinez will be missing for the remainder of 2023 after aggravating the foot injury which cut his debut campaign short, while Raphael Varane has fallen out of favour amid his own fitness concerns.
As a result, Harry Maguire has enjoyed an unexpected redemption arc in the heart of Ten Hag's backline, where Victor Lindelof and the returning Jonny Evans represent alternative options.
Maguire was in discussions with West Ham United over the summer, but a deal collapsed as the England international insisted on fighting for his place at Old Trafford, which is proving to be a smart decision at present.
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However, it remains to be seen whether Evans's deal is renewed beyond the end of the campaign, while Varane - out of contract in 2025 - is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after his demotion to a bench role.
A new centre-back is expected to be high on the Red Devils' agenda for 2024, regardless of whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed £1.3bn purchase for a 25% stake goes through in the coming weeks or months.
Sporting and Portugal defender Inacio has been mentioned as a prime target, and according to CM Jornal, Man United are contemplating triggering his release clause in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils signed Bruno Fernandes from the Portuguese giants in similar circumstances in January 2020, agreeing an €80m (£69.8m) deal for the 29-year-old, who has since contributed to 125 goals in 201 games for the club - 68 of his own and 57 assists.
Inacio's Sporting contract - which he renewed in August until the summer of 2027 - is understood to contain a €60m (£52.3m) clause, which Man United intend to pay in instalments.
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The EFL Cup holders are not alone in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, though, as he is also thought to be wanted by Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United, the former two of whom had scouts in attendance to watch him in action against Benfica at the weekend.
However, Inacio's Derby de Lisboa ended in disaster, as he was sent off for two bookable offences six minutes into the second half before Ruben Amorim's side conceded two late goals in a 2-1 defeat.
The Portugal international's sending-off was only the second red card of his senior career, and at the correct end of the field, he has contributed 11 goals and eight assists in 139 games for Sporting.
The 6ft 1in defender became a Primeira Liga champion with Amorim's side in the 2020-21 season, while he has also collected two Taca da Liga crowns and one Portuguese Super Cup.
Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo is believed to be another youthful defensive target for Man United, who are also after an experienced striker to ease the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund.
