Newcastle have seen a bid for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio rejected, according to Portuguese newspaper Correino de Manha (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Newcastle have already signed a new centre-back in the form of Lille's Sven Botman, who cost them £33.3million.

But it's possible that Howe views Inacio, 20, as a potential long-term partner for the Dutchman at the heart of his defence. Indeed, Fabrizio Romano said that the Magpies were among the clubs interested in January.

He has come through the youth ranks at Sporting and already played 70 games for them at senior level.

The latest

According to the report, Sporting have 'already refused an offer' of €33million (£28.1million) from Newcastle, instead pointing suitors to his €45million (£38.4million) release clause - a price tag that is 'far from frightening' to PIF.

The Magpies do, however, face competition from European heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Barcelona.

The verdict

Inacio, nicknamed the 'Portuguese boss', is a player whose stock is seemingly growing all the time.

He won the Primeira Liga Defender of the Month Award for December 2021 and has been hailed as 'one of the most interesting left-footed U-21 CBs in Europe' by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Newcastle would be signing a player here who could not only start for them next season, but also establish himself as a key fixture long-term, alongside Botman.

Dan Burn impressed following his January move from Brighton and Hove Albion, earning Newcastle's POTM award for March, but he's 30 years old and Howe may privately believe there's a limit to his usefulness.