Liverpool’s name continues to follow Francisco Trincão around Portugal, and the Reds are now being presented as the leading candidate if the Sporting player decides to return to England.
Recent reports have linked the Reds side with the 26-year-old attacker, while Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with interest. Now, Record claim Liverpool sit at the top of the list of clubs keeping tabs on the Portugal international.
The newspaper’s latest report focuses on Sporting’s summer plans and the players most likely to generate major transfer income. And Trincão is firmly among them.
According to Record, Sporting believe the winger has all the conditions needed to secure a return to the Premier League after rebuilding his career in Lisbon over the last four years.
While several clubs continue to be linked, Liverpool are specifically identified as the most interested side at this stage.
Liverpool remain strongly linked
Portuguese reports have repeatedly suggested Trincão’s future will not be seriously addressed until after the World Cup. That tournament is expected to provide another opportunity for the player to increase his value and visibility on the international stage.
Sporting are therefore in no rush.
The attacker signed a new contract until 2030 earlier this year, while his €60m (£50.5m) release clause remains unchanged. Record suggest any movement around his future is expected to revolve around that figure.
Liverpool’s continued presence at the front of the queue will attract attention on Merseyside.
The Reds are expected to make attacking adjustments this summer and Trincão’s profile has been highlighted increasingly often in Portugal, as we previously covered.
He finished the season with 13 goals and 15 assists in 54 appearances. He also established himself as Sporting’s most-used outfield player.
Sporting expecting major sale
Record’s wider report makes clear Sporting are anticipating another lucrative summer.
The Lisbon club generated more than €181m (£152m) from player sales last year and are targeting at least €120m (£101m) in outgoing deals this summer.
Trincão is viewed as one of the players capable of helping them reach that figure. And according to Record, the Reds currently occupy pole position among the clubs willing to unlock the deal.