West Ham are rumoured to be interested in a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon defender, Goncalo Inacio, according to recent news reports. It’s been claimed that the Hammers sent scouts to watch the defender in action against Benfica. It wasn’t the best of times to gain much of a report for the Sporting Lisbon man, as he was sent-off after receiving his second yellow card early into the second-half of the 2-1 defeat to one of their title rivals.
Inacio has been with Sporting Lisbon since 2012, but has successfully broken through to the senior squad in recent years, having gone on to make 139 appearances for the club’s first-team. He’s been a regular for them this season, as Sporting Lisbon look to mount another charge for the title, although they’ll face strong competition from Benfica, who have made a hugely impressive start to this year’s league campaign.
West Ham aren’t the only club interested in striking a deal with the Portuguese giants though, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United all believed to be keen on a deal to sign Inacio. The centre-back is contracted with Sporting Lisbon until the summer of 2027, and it remains to be seen as to whether his club are willing to listen to any offers for the 22-year-old anytime soon.
There have been emerging reports that West Ham are unlikely to spend the reported £50m price that Sporting Lisbon are likely to demand for Inacio’s services in the mid-season transfer window, although it remains to be seen as to whether any clubs are going to make the first move in placing a formal bid for Inacio.
A move to West Ham could be tempting for the Portuguese defender, with David Moyes’ side competing in the Europa League, as well as competing for a top-half finish in the Premier League this term. The Hammers caught the eye last term, as they won the Europa Conference League, with a dramatic late win over Italian side Fiorentina in the final of that competition. They seem to be going from strength to strength, and signings such as Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse have added much-needed strength in depth to their midfield options.
It’s been revealed to us by betting experts at mybettingsites.co.uk that West Ham are priced at 11/8 to finish in the top-half of the Premier League table this season, which could be a tempting bet, as they’re currently ninth in the top-flight standings.
The Hammers are set to return to action after the international break, as they take on Burnley, who are in deep trouble already this season, with Vincent Kompany’s side sitting bottom of the table after their opening 12 matches of the season, which has seen them only pick up four points.
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