This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Liverpool are willing to battle other Premier League clubs for Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
Apitofinal.plclaim that Chelsea have made the 24-year-old a “priority target” but the Reds and Manchester United are “prepared to rival” the Blues for the player’s signature.
Most Read on Walk On
Inacio is a left-footed centre-back, and that would suggest that Arne Slot’s side are eyeing him as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The Portuguese international also has a €60m (£52m) release clause, which would also make him a viable target in terms of cost.
Konate’s new contract reduces the urgency to sign a centre-half
Speaking after the Merseyside derby, Ibrahima Konate all but confirmed that he will extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season.
It means Liverpool will head into next season with five senior centre-backs, as things stand, including van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and new addition Jeremy Jacquet.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily rule out a move for Inacio, but it makes it a lot less likely, with the club needing to prioritise strengthening other positions.
Buy a Liverpool home shirt from Fanatics here
Inacio could be Liverpool’s alternative to Bastoni
While replacing van Dijk isn’t an immediate concern, as the Dutchman’s contract expires at the end of next season, it is something that has to be planned for.
Reports both in Spain and Italy have mentioned the Reds as potential suitors for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, but it is widely believed that the Italian favours a move to Barcelona.
With that in mind, sporting director Richard Hughes may have identified Inacio as an alternative, even if a bid may not be lodged for the player this summer.
Of course, if Chelsea or United step up their pursuit of the Sporting defender, Hughes would have a decision to make.
Want more news on Liverpool? Add Walk On as a preferred source on Google