Yahoo Sports Liverpool can sign ‘priority defensive target’ at discount
Liverpool have made Goncalo Inacio their priority target to add to their defence this summer and are expected to submit an opening proposal for the Sporting Lisbon defender.
Liverpool are one of several top clubs to have monitored Inacio in recent months with Manchester United and Real Madrid also admirers.
United have since completed the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille and are no longer pursuing Inacio, leaving Liverpool in a stronger negotiating position.
Inacio has a release clause of €60m (£51m) in his contract with the Portuguese champions but Correio da Manha are reporting that Sporting are prepared to negotiate at around €45m (£38m).
Liverpool want to sign a left-sided centre-back and Inacio would offer a natural option to compete with Virgil van Dijk, who has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield. The Liverpool captain said earlier this month that he is considering his club and international future after the Netherlands’ semi-final exit at Euro 2024.
The Reds are yet to make a signing under new manager Arne Slot but are actively working behind the scenes on potential deals.
Inacio is an option that appeals given his price tag, age, and his underlying data. Last season, the 22-year-old led Portugal’s Primeira Liga for progressive passes, passes into the final third, touches and progressive carrying distance.
Liverpool are in the market for a central defender following Joel Matip’s departure at the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old is in talks over a free transfer move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Read – Ranking the five most expensive teenagers in Premier League history
See more – Who should win the 2024 Ballon d’Or? Our top contenders
