Liverpool Transfer News: Reds scout Portuguese star 'multiple times' amid continued links

Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool are still keeping close tabs on Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio and have scouted him 'multiple times'.

With Joel Matip expected to leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer and Jurgen Klopp also departing, the Reds are reportedly interested in signing a new central defender in the upcoming transfer window.

Liverpool have been linked with plenty of players in that position over the past few months, with Sporting defender Inacio having been regularly touted with a potential Anfield switch.

The likes of Real Madrid have also shown interest in the 22-year-old, who is, of course, currently working under Liverpool's number one candidate to succeed Klopp this summer in Ruben Amorim.

While past links haven't materialised into anything substantial, Liverpool are still keeping a close eye on the talented defender, and could yet make a move for him.

LIVERPOOL SCOUT GONCALO INACIO 'MULTIPLE TIMES'

Writing recently for CaughtOffside, Romano commented on persistent rumours linking Inacio with the Reds, suggesting that the club are still monitoring him despite having not made any formal contact with the player or his agent.

"Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio is being linked with Liverpool again and it’s been the case for years now – it’s already 2-3 years of these rumours," wrote Romano.

"Liverpool have been scouting him multiple times but at the moment there are no talks or contacts, it’s just the same scouting activity that other clubs are doing for Inacio, who is one of the most talented centre-backs around."

Liverpool's interest in Inacio would certainly be expected to ramp up if Sporting manager Amorim was to replace Klopp in the Anfield dugout, with the defender boasting a £52m release clause in his current deal.

The left-footed youngster is not the only Sporting defender to be linked with Anfield. Inacio's teammate Ousmane Diomande has also interested the Reds according to past reports, with the 20-year-old Ivorian having a £69m release clause in his contract.