Arne Slot’s Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for the signature of Manchester United defensive target Goncalo Inacio.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are making progress in negotiations to bring Sporting CP defensive ace Goncalo Inacio to Anfield ahead of next season. The Reds are looking for a world-class centre-back, and the Manchester United target is at the top of their wishlist at this point.
While the Merseyside club have been linked with Inacio in the past as well, they seem quite serious about signing the 22-year-old defender this summer. He has enjoyed an exceptional rise at Sporting CP and has also managed to establish himself in the Portugal national team.
The youngster has featured in over 170 matches for the Portuguese club since getting promoted to their first team in 2020. He has made quite a name for himself and is on the wishlist of quite a few top clubs. Manchester United are one of the clubs have been monitoring Inacio’s progress for a long while.
Liverpool leading the race for Inacio
The Red Devils are looking to reinforce their backline this summer after struggling with injuries last season. While Manchester United would love to add him to their squad, Liverpool are currently leading the race for his services. Inacio is a top priority for the Reds amidst uncertainty around the future of their defensive mainstay Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch international only has 12 months left on his current deal with Liverpool. If he does push for a move away, they might not be able to stand in his way. As a result, they are looking for a top-quality replacement, and Inacio is their priority.
While the Portuguese international has a massive €60 million release clause in his contract that runs until 2027, there is a growing feeling that Sporting CP would be willing to lower their demands. The Reds are already in negotiations with Sporting, and they seem to have made significant progress so far.
Liverpool are clear favourites at this stage and with negotiations heading in the right direction, there are high chances of the Portuguese international joining Slot’s team instead of Manchester United this summer.
