Newcastle are exploring a potential summer move for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, sources have told Football Insider.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his side with Champions League football on the horizon in the upcoming season.
It is believed Howe wants more strength in depth as Newcastle look to build on the fourth-place finish achieved in the 2022-23 campaign.
Inacio is one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in world football and has been widely linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the 21-year-old “fits the profile” of player Newcastle are looking to add.
The Magpies are keen to move for players under the age of 24 with “huge potential”
In addition, Inacio can play on either side of a two-man defender partnership – as well as at full-back.
The two-cap Portugal international racked up 52 appearances across all competitions last term, notching four goals and three assists.
He has already managed 122 career appearances despite his tender age.
Inacio signed a fresh four-year contract last year (2022), keeping the left footer at Sporting until June 2026.
Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are among the current centre-back options at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have already wrapped up one big-money deal this summer – with the Magpies announcing the arrival of AC Milan and Italy star Sandro Tonali on Monday (3 July).
Tonali reportedly cost the Tynesiders £55million and has signed a five-year deal at the club.
18-year-old Yankuba Minteh has also signed for Newcastle but completed an instant loan exit to Eredivisie winners Feyenoord.
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