Newcastle United have been criticised for snubbing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
In Portugal, it's been suggested Newcastle have gone cold on the centre-half.
And his former academy coach at Sporting, Pedro Pontes, told Bola Branca: I don't agree [with Newcastle's stance]. Goncalo [has been] an almost an undisputed starter in the last two years and already has a national team career.
He has evolved progressively in the various aspects that are part of a player's growth. Whoever made this analysis did not evaluate what Goncalo Inacio was and what he is at this moment. If he is going to a team that requires constant transitions, he may have difficulties.
"But for a team that likes to go out and play, and build up from the defence, Goncalo Inacio has a place in English football. I believe that there is a space for him at Newcastle."