Report: Newcastle to reignite interest in Sporting defender after choosing to 'delay' offer in January

January was a tough month for Newcastle United with the injury list still pretty extensive, the Magpies could have done with a couple of new players through the door, but Financial Fair Play but the brakes on.

Newcastle ultimately made only one signing in January, and that was 18-year-old Alfie Harrison from Manchester City. The Magpies were linked with many players throughout the month but the reality of the constraints of FFP meant that these stories never got beyond the papers and into the real world.

Eddie Howe even had to withdraw from trying to loan Kalvin Phillips from Man City due to FFP constraints after they whacked a sizeable loan fee on the midfielder. Phillips ultimately joined West Ham where things aren't exactly going great for the former Leeds man who even lost his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

One player that was linked to Newcastle this winter was Goncalo Inacio of Sporting, but again FFP reared its ugly head and Newcastle chose to 'delay' their bid to the summer, according to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness)

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Newcastle could look to activate Inacio's release clause this summer

Now the paper is reporting that Newcastle will return in the summer with a bid for Inacio and won't be put off by his €60million (£51million) release clause.

The 22-year-old Portugal international has made 38 appearances in all competitions for Sporting this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist, not bad numbers at all for a centre-back.

Sporting are bracing themselves for bids for Inacio and his defensive partner Ousemane Diomande who has also been linked with Newcastle.

Could Newcastle be tempted into a double swoop on Sporting?

In fact, both players are being tracked by several Premier League clubs with Arsenal said to be very keen on Diomande in particular, but Mikel Arteta is also keen on Inacio meaning there could be a fight for his signature this summer.

Newcastle desperately need to add to their defensive ranks, especially now that Sven Botman is likely to be out of action until next year. Eddie Howe could do with another young defender like Botman who can be at the club for a long time and grow with the club and Inacio fits that bill perfectly.

Botman's injury could now mean that Newcastle will need to sign two centre-backs which does open the door for a double swoop on Sporting for both Inacio and Diomande, although the latter is expected to cost quite a bit more with his release clause set at €80million (£68.5million)