Milan move for Goncalo Inacio, Sporting leave him out: from Portugal, "sale imminent", but watch out for Barcelona

The decision is therefore tied to a transfer that could be completed within hours, with the Portuguese defender born in 2001 potentially on the verge of leaving the club where he came through the ranks and where he has played since 2020. It is one to watch closely, especially as Inácio has long been on AC Milan's radar and is Ruben Amorim's main target, who knows him well after coaching him for a long time.

The next few hours could bring decisive developments over the centre-back's future: Amorim wants another defender, and his dream target remains Gonçalo Inácio. Sporting do not appear willing to let their captain leave, even with a €60 million release clause, after renewing his contract and selling Hjulmand to Atletico Madrid and Diomandé to Nottingham Forest. This evening, the captain was Maxi Araujo.

Over the last few hours, Barcelona have also made a move for Sporting's powerful centre-back, with Gerard Romero reporting that the 25-year-old is a target alongside RB Leipzig's French centre-back, Castello Lukeba, on a shortlist to strengthen the defence: sporting director Deco was in Lisbon yesterday, where he is believed to have met the defender's agents, including a visit to Miguel Pinho, head of the AS1 agency and regarded as one of Portugal's most influential agents. Reports from Portugal are clear: "It is a major transfer that is about to explode".