EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool continue to monitor Goncalo Inacio ahead of January window

Liverpool are continuing to monitor Gonçalo Inacio ahead of the January window, Anfield Watch has been told.

The Sporting CP defender had been targeted by Jurgen Klopp's side as far back as the previous winter window, as previously reported by FootballTransfers, but a move never materialised.

We understand that the Reds have set aside a budget of €70m (£60m) to bring in a centre-half in 2024 – a position which remains a priority.

Sources close to the situation revealed that Inacio was close to signing for Liverpool during the summer window, but he wanted to stay and help his club get out of the Europa League group.

The 22-year-old ended up signing a new contract with Sporting CP during the same period, with an attached release clause of €60m (£51.5m) written into the contract, a significant bump from his previous clause of €38m (£33m).

Liverpool, as well as Manchester United and Newcastle, have been linked to the defender throughout the year.

Last campaign, Inacio made 52 appearances, helping the Lisbon club keep 20 clean sheets.

Liverpool opted not to sign a centre-back during the summer window, despite issues surrounding the back-line surfacing last term.

The Reds, instead, focused their attention on bolstering the midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all arriving, as part of a much-needed rebuild.

Elsewhere, Anfield Watch has reported that Liverpool are interested in versatile AZ star Yukinari Sugawara, who would be available for around €20m and could provide cover for the right-back position.