Newcastle United plotting cut-price signing of £51m-rated defender despite heavy interest from Liverpool

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting CP as they look to add more options to their defence this summer. The centre-back only recently appeared on Eddie Howe’s radar but already there has been a new update regarding their pursuit of his services.

Newcastle’s interest in Inácio was reported on Monday, as he reportedly ‘fits the profile’ of what type of player the club are looking for. Though initially there was no mention of an asking price, it has now been revealed that the 21-year-old has a €60 million (£51m) release clause in his current contract, which runs until 2026.

Football Insider delivered the latest revelation and have reported that Newcastle are hoping to sign Inácio for a cut-price fee as they continue their lavish summer spending this window.

The Magpies have already splashed out on Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, who commanded a payment of €70 million (£60m). Their fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season was incredibly inspiring, but they know they must continue to push on and build their team up even stronger in order to maintain this run of positive form.

Howe and his side are planning to land Inácio for significantly less than his quoted release clause but they face hefty competition. According to Le Parisien, Liverpool appear to be ‘the most pressing club’ in the race for the Portugal international’s signature.

The Reds have already forked out big money for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as they carry out their mission to restructure their midfield, but they’re also on the market for a new centre-back. They have reportedly already ‘started talks’ to discuss the likelihood of a deal materialising for Inácio, so Newcastle need to act quickly if they want to land a deal ahead of their Premier League rivals.