Liverpool are now scouting Goncalo Inacio in view of his transfer from Sporting Lisbon this summer. His Liga Portugal side may also let the defender go for less than his release clause.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Liverpool sent scouts to run the rule on Inacio last Sunday. Anfield chiefs appreciate what the 21-year-old is producing in Portugal and can bring to England. A move is also not out of the question after seeing him in action.
Liverpool are now ready to bring forward their plans to seal a transfer with Sporting Lisbon for Inacio. Their scouts attended the Leoes’ derby against Porto at the weekend, which the Dragoes won 1-2. But the young centre-half still impressed the Reds’ scouts in attendance.
A move by Liverpool to sign Inacio from Sporting Lisbon is now much more than a thought for the future. The Premier League outfit could also add the Portugal U21 international to Jurgen Klopp’s squad for less than the €45m (£40m) release clause in his contract to 2026.
The Leoes will likely consider bids under the clause if Ruben Amorim fails to get Champions League football for next term. Sporting Lisbon sit fourth in the table and in the Conference League qualifying round spots. But they are 10 points behind the Champions League spots.
Porto opened a 10-point lead in second place to Sporting Lisbon in fourth with their win at the Leoes. Benfica are also 15 points clear of Amorim’s squad at the top of the table. While Braga are two points off Porto in third in the sole Champions League qualifying round spot.
Liverpool are not alone in considering a transfer for Sporting Lisbon star Inacio
Amorim can guide Sporting Lisbon into the Champions League should they win the Europa League this season. The Leoes host FC Midtjylland for the first leg of their knockout round play-off on Thursday. But Liverpool will hope they fall short to boost their Inacio ambitions.
Several unnamed teams are also showing an interest with Liverpool in a transfer for Inacio from Sporting Lisbon. While Noticias Ao Minuto also reported that Newcastle United failed with a €30m (£26.5m) bid for the defender last year. They wanted his release clause in full.
Inacio has now gained Liverpool’s interest whilst his rapid rise at the Estadio Jose Alvalade continues. At just 21, the Leoes product has amassed 102 first-team appearances for nine goals and seven assists. He has recorded two of each across 32 outings so far this season.
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