Liverpool transfer news: Real Madrid eye Reds defensive target

Real Madrid are ready to rival Liverpool for highly-rated defender Goncalo Inacio, the Spanish giants perhaps making a move for the centre-back in January.

Kostas Tsimikas was the latest to add his name to an extensive injury list at Anfield, the Greek defender suffering a broken collarbone in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal before Christmas.

With Andy Robertson still sidelined with a shoulder injury and Joel Matip out until the end of the season, Jurgen Klopp may call for defensive reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window.

Given both of Liverpool's first-choice left-backs are currently injured, the Reds may be keen to strengthen the left side of their defence.

There have long been suggestions linking the current Premier League leaders with a move for a left-footed central defender capable of covering at left-back, with Goncalo Inacio a name that has regularly been touted.

The 22-year-old has impressed at Sporting CP and has even registered five caps for Portugal, with Liverpool having reportedly scouted him on a number of occasions in recent times.

However, the defender, who has a £52m release clause in his contract, is also being strongly linked with a move to Liverpool's title rivals Arsenal this winter as his Sporting exit becomes increasingly inevitable.

But it's not just the Gunners who are keen on Inacio, with Real Madrid having identified the young centre-back as a potential target due to their current injury woes.

That's according to Marca, at least, who suggest that Carlo Ancelotti could sign the defender to cover for ACL injuries suffered by Eder Militao and more recently David Alaba.

It's expected that Los Blancos will pursue a younger centre-back in the coming windows and could bolster their squad this winter.

Marca also state that the La Liga giants will have to fend off interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, with an almighty tug-of-war set to break out to capture Inacio's signature.

If Klopp and his recruitment team are keen on Inacio, they will likely have to move fast to secure his services.