Manchester United have added Goncalo Inacio to their four-man transfer shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils spent over €200 million on the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund last summer.
However, Erik ten Hag is already looking ahead to the winter transfer window, as he attempts to freshen up his back line.
Advert
The United boss was forced to rely on a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and 35-year-old Jonny Evans during their dramatic 2-1 win over Brentford, in the absence of first-choice duo Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
In turn, Ten Hag is eager to add a new centre-back to his ranks, with Romano providing an update on the Dutchman's search.
The Italian tweeted: "Understand Manchester United have also added Gonçalo Inacio to their list of centre-backs now being monitored/scouted.
Advert
"Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Tapsoba remain in the list. No final decision now, it will take time; based on player skills, reports, price and more."
However, United could face competition for Inacio's signature, with Premier League rivals Liverpool also thought to be interested in the 22-year-old defender.
That's according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Liverpool are ‘in search of a defender in the January transfer market and one of the names in their sights is’ Inacio.
The report adds that Inacio has a release clause of €60m (£52m) and Sporting ‘would not be willing to let him go easily’.
Advert
Meanwhile, Spanish publication Defensa Central state that Real Madrid have ‘joined the race’ for Inacio.
Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly keen to add another centre-back to his ranks in January, with David Alaba and Eder Militao currently sidelined with injuries, while captain Nacho Fernandez is not getting any younger.
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Fabrizio Romano, Sporting Lisbon