Liverpool transfers: Reds step up chase for Inacio but face one MASSIVE problem

Liverpool are testing the waters ahead of a summer bid for Goncalo Inacio, according to a report in Football Transfers, but will have to contend with competition from Manchester United for his signature. 

Inacio, 22, is a left-footed centre back who plays for Sporting CP in the Liga Portugal. He has been described as a long-term transfer target for Liverpool with the Reds in need of defensive reinforcements this summer. 

The Portugal international fits the bill with transfer uncertainty over Joe Gomez and Joel Matip likely to depart at the end of the season upon the completion of his contract. 

Inacio has a release clause in his Sporting contract of €60 million, with his terms extending to 2027 having signed a new contract last summer. 

Sporting are said to be resigned to losing Inacio this summer, with fellow centre back Ousmane Diomande also attracting interest, and the Reds are reported to be top of the list of suitors. 

Jacque Talbot of Football Transfers reports that Liverpool have made enquiries about signing Inacio for a fee beneath his release clause and adds that Manchester United are also in the picture. 

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure at the end of this season, with Arne Slot coming in to replace him, Liverpool’s established transfer targets have remained unchanged with FSG’s CEO of Football said to be leading the club’s transfer business. 

Liverpool also looking at Colwill and Geertruida

It’s also been reported that Liverpool have also got Chelsea’s Levi Colwill on their wishlist for centre back but the club acknowledge the difficulty of completing that deal this summer.

Other defenders linked with a move to Anfield this summer are Lutsharel Geertruida, of Feyenoord, and the Eintracht Frankfurt centre back Willian Pacho. 

Inacio has played 46 times for Sporting this season, Portugal’s champions-elect, and has also established himself in Roberto Martinez’s international set-up, and will be leading the Portuguese charge at Euro 2024 this summer.