Liverpool They are supposedly in a battle with manchester united on a deal to sign Sporting CP star Gonçalo Inacio this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
With Joel Matip set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of this month, the Reds have apparently decided to prioritize signing a new centre-back as a possible replacement for the Cameroonian.
However, with Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate already at their disposal, it appears that the Merseyside club are considering signing a left-footed defender. Willian Pacho and Levi Colwill have been mentioned as serious targets, but Inácio is also reportedly on their radar.
writing in x, Roman has reported that Liverpool have expressed their interest in signing Inácio after following his evolution in the recently concluded season.
The journalist further claims that the 22-year-old has a £51m release clause included in his current contract, so the Reds will have to spend big to lure him to Anfield.
Battle
However, Roman claims that Man Utd also pursued Inacio last season and could make a concrete approach to sign him in the next window. Liverpool will therefore face stiff competition from their arch-rivals to secure any potential deal for him.
Romano wrote:
“Manchester United and Liverpool have been monitoring Gonçalo Inácio ahead of the summer transfer window. His termination clause is worth 60 million euros. Man United are still discussing internally how many centre-backs they want to bring in; sure, at least a right-handed one.”
Following Lisandro Martínez's injury problems last season, Man Utd would be keen to sign a new left-footed centre-back this summer. Jarrad Branthwaite has been widely suggested as his top target, but Inacio is also on his wish list.
The Sporting star is a ball-playing centre-back and is an ideal option to play in a possession-based system. Therefore, he could be a shrewd signing for Man Utd or Liverpool if either club buys him.
However, it will be interesting to see who will ultimately win the race to sign Inacio should Man Utd take on Liverpool for this deal in the next transfer window.
