Liverpool reportedly revive their previous interest in an international defender as they bid to strengthen their backline before the end of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.
The Merseyside giants have endured an unproductive transfer window thus far, most notably failing to agree new contracts with several of their key players.
As well as the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not committing their futures to the club, Arne Slot has also not brought in any fresh faces.
At a time when acquiring a new centre-back and central midfielder are known to be on the shortlist, the situation could change in due course.
Fresh off failing to tempt Martin Zubimendi into leaving Real Sociedad for Anfield, it appears that attention has now switched to trying to bring in a defender.
© Imago
Inacio back on the radar
Earlier in the summer transfer window, Liverpool were strongly linked with a move for Inacio, as were several of their English rivals with the player’s release clause being deemed to be attainable.
Sporting were able to insert a £51m buy-out option when negotiating the Portugal international’s latest contract, which runs until 2027.
Nevertheless, according to Correio da Manha, there is the possibility of Liverpool being able to negotiate a lower fee with their Sporting counterparts.
The report suggests that there is a belief within the Liverpool ranks that they could sign the 22-year-old for a reduced sum of £38m.
Inacio’s agent is said to have travelled to England to hold discussions with officials at the Merseyside giants to determine whether personal terms will be an issue.
© Reuters
Is a move likely?
Sporting have endured an extremely quiet transfer window in comparison to previous years, only signing Bosnian-Herzegovian goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic.
Having won last season’s Primeira Liga, they may remain content if that stays the case, yet players like Inacio will naturally want to progress their careers at some point.
If Inacio were to leave Sporting over the coming days, it would provide them with the opportunity to sign a replacement without the rush of the final days of the window.
Ruben Amorim uses a back three, making it imperative that sufficient competition for places is secured ahead of their upcoming return to the Champions League.