Liverpool FAVOURITES to sign Man Utd transfer target Goncalo Inacio

Liverpool are now clear favourites ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, according to reports.

There is scope for a central defensive signing at Anfield this summer following the departure of Joel Matip who was officially released at the end of last month upon the expiry of his contract.

However, the fact that Arne Slot does have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah as his senior options - not to mention possibly handing Sepp van den Berg an opportunity - perhaps there is an argument that the new Reds head coach is well-stocked in this department.

But according to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have made a new central defender one of their top priorities this summer and this is partly down to the uncertainty surrounding the future of their captain.

Just like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, van Dijk has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield which means there is a scenario where he leaves on a free transfer next summer if a new deal isn't signed between now and June 30, 2025.

Of course it should be noted that the Dutchman is unlikely to be sold during the current transfer window regardless of his contract situation especially as the club's new sporting director, Richard Hughes has made it clear that he expects the 33-year-old "to be totally committed to Liverpool next season".

Liverpool making progress for Inacio deal

Regardless of what happens with van Dijk, it's clear Liverpool will need a replacement sooner rather than later and it would appear Inacio is top of the list with CaughtOffside claiming negotiations are progressing over a potential move.

The report also states that whilst the 22-year-old - who has also been linked with Man United and Arsenal - has a €60m (£51.5m) release clause at Sporting, there is the growing feeling that the Portuguese giants could compromise on that fee.

In addition, the Reds have drawn up a contingency plan in case a deal for Inacio doesn't work out with the club ready to explore alternatives such as Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, and Willian Pacho who plays in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt.