Liverpool are looking to improve their defensive options during the summer transfer window and are ready to pursue Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
That is according to a report from the Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t Sport Witness), which states Liverpool have already been in contact with the player’s agent regarding a summer move.
The Reds have also been handed a boost in their bid to sign the highly-rated Portuguese centre-back, with Sporting CP reportedly prepared to accept different ‘solutions’ to meet their €45 million valuation after turning down bids in the region of €30 million.
Inacio has progressed rapidly in the last couple of years, becoming a key cog in Sporting’s defence and one of Europe’s best young central defenders.
The 21-year-old has drawn interest from some of the biggest clubs this season with his fantastic form this season, racking up 51 appearances in all competitions while boasting six goal contributions. In light of his excellent performances, he was also rewarded with his full Portugal debut in March.
The youngster has a contract running until 2026 that contains a release clause worth around €45 million. Sporting, for their part, are looking to keep hold of him and are planning a contract extension with an increased salary. However, Inacio may consider a new challenge in his career, having grown into somewhat of a big fish in a small pond at the Portuguese outfit.
While Sporting are holding out for his full release clause of €45 million, the Portuguese side are said to be willing to accept different “solutions” to meet what they’re after, including a significant up-front fee with ‘easily attainable’ bonuses.
Reinforcing the defence is a priority for Liverpool in the summer transfer window, with the uncertain futures of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, and even Nathaniel Phillips. They have conceded 43 goals in the Premier League this season, a notable decline since they shipped only 26 goals last term.
As a left-footer, you would imagine the Portugal international would play as a left-centre-back, which bodes very well for Liverpool, who view him alongside Ibrahima Konate as a potential future centre-back pairing. It remains to be seen whether the Reds act upon their interest and table an offer for the Sporting CP defender.
