Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP, and they will face competition from Manchester United.
According to a report by A Bola via Sport Witness, Liverpool have been informed of the conditions to sign Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese international, a target for Manchester United, has a €60 million release clause in his contract, and Sporting CP will not lower their demands.
The Portuguese giants want the €60 million release clause to be paid in full. It will be interesting to see if the Premier League club can convince them to accept the payment in instalments. Spending €60 million upfront on the defender could prove to be difficult for Liverpool. They will have to improve the other areas of their squad as well.
Inacio has established himself as a key player for the Portuguese club, and his performances have been rather impressive in Liga Portugal. He has the physicality and technicality to do well in the Premier League, and he could be a key player for Liverpool.
The Reds need to find a quality replacement for Joel Matip, who has left the club on a free transfer. Inacio can operate as the left sided central defender as well as a defensive left-back. His versatility will be an added bonus. Meanwhile, Liverpool will face competition from Manchester United, who need of defensive reinforcements as well.
Raphael Varane is leaving the club as a free agent, and the French international will have to be replaced. So, Inacio has emerged as a viable target for the Premier League heavyweights heading into the summer transfer window.
Manchester United have looked vulnerable defensively, and signing a quality central defender should be a top priority. The 22-year-old Portuguese international has the ability to develop into one of the best defenders in the world, and he could be a key player for Manchester United in the long term. It will be interesting to see if the Red Devils are willing to shell out €60 million for him in the coming weeks.
Inacio could be tempted to join Manchester United and Liverpool
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have other necessities as well. The two clubs will need to strengthen multiple areas, and they will have to plan their transfer business diligently. They cannot afford to overspend on a central defender, even though they are in desperate need of a quality one.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese defender will be attracted to the idea of joining clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United as well. The duo are two of the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide Inacio with the platform to compete at the highest level. Regular football in England could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his tremendous potential as well.
