Real Madrid are ready to rival Premier League clubs in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio during the January transfer window.
The Spanish side are looking to strengthen their central defensive options in the winter window and have placed Inacio high on their list of potential targets, according to AS.
Manchester United and Liverpool have each been linked with a move for the left-sided defender, who has a €60m (£52.2m) release clause in his contract in Portugal after signing a new long-term deal earlier this season.
Manchester United are targeting a central defender amid Harry Maguire’s uncertain future and Lisandro Martinez’s fitness issues, while Liverpool also assessed centre-backs during the summer window.
However, interest from Real Madrid could prove persuasive as the 14-time European champions look for a long-term option at centre-back. Nacho Fernandez is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, while both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are into their thirties.
Inacio made his senior debut for Portugal earlier this year and the 22-year-old has since scored twice in four appearances for the national side.
He leads Portugal’s Primeira Liga for touches, passes into the final third and progressive carrying distance this season, while he’s ranked second for progressive passes.
