‘I don’t agree’ - Coach hits out at Newcastle United stance over £39m defender

Newcastle United are reportedly keen to add another top class centre-back to their defensive options over the next two transfer windows.

Last summer’s signing of Lille star Sven Botman has proved to be an undoubted success as the Dutch defender has settled into life on Tyneside with ease and has produced a consistently high level of performance in the Premier League. His partnership with Fabian Schar played an integral role in helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two decades and reach their first major cup final since 1999.

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles has provided able backup to Botman during his recent absence through injury but both the long-serving skipper and Swiss international Schar are both heading the final months of their current deals at St James Park and firm decisions over their future are yet to be made.

That has led to suggestions United’s recruitment staff are monitoring a number of options around the Premier League and abroad as they look to continue the improvement in the strength of Howe’s squad in a bid to push for major honours over the coming years.

The likes of Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen and Benfica’s highly-rated youngster Antonio Silva have all been watched - but it is another Portuguese centre-back that is the subject of recent talk in his home country.

Along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United, Newcastle are believed to have watching Sporting CP’S Goncalo Inacio on a number of occasions in recent month but a recent report has suggested the Magpies believed the defender’s development has stalled and are ready to consider other options. That stance has brought scathing criticism from youth coach Leonel Pontes, who worked with the Portugal international during his time in Sporting’s academy.

He told Bola Branca: “I don’t agree (with Newcastle’s stance). Goncalo Inacio (has been) an almost an undisputed starter in the last two years and already has a national team career. He has evolved progressively in the various aspects that are part of a player’s growth. Whoever made this analysis did not evaluate what Goncalo Inacio was and what he is at this moment.

“If he is going to a team that requires constant transitions, he may have difficulties. But for a team that likes to go out and play, and build up from the defence, Goncalo Inacio has a place in English football. I believe that there is space (for Inacio) at Newcastle.”