Manchester United could sign their dream Harry Maguire replacement if Ruben Amorim succeeds Erik ten Hag as manager.
The Red Devils boss has led United to their worst start to a campaign in the last 61 years, with the Dutchman's position under severe pressure.
Their misery was compounded in consecutive 3-0 defeats to local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
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As a result, several candidates have been tipped to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford, including former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
While a report from The Times claimed that the club have identified Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as a potential successor.
It remains to be seen whether United will choose to cut ties with Ten Hag, with upcoming fixtures against Fulham in the top-flight and FC Copenhagen in the Champions League critical to his future.
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But should Amorim take over as manager, he could prove key in helping United land Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo inacio, who has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Maguire, claim The Mirror.
The 22-year-old recently penned fresh terms at the Portuguese side, but Amorim could be a major factor in persuading the defender to join him in Manchester.
Inacio is also represented by Miguel Pinho, who is the agent of Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes and negotiated his move from Sporting to Old Trafford in January 2020, meaning he knows both clubs well.
However, United are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who have also expressed an interest in the player.
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According to sources in Portugal, Jurgen Klopp's side would be willing to meet his £42.9 million release clause, viewing him as the perfect candidate to compete with Virgil van Dijk on the left-hand side of defence.
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Topics: Manchester United, Football, Harry Maguire, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Sporting Lisbon