Liverpool is reportedly leading the race to acquire the services of Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, with a price tag of €49 million (£43 million or $52 million).
The Portuguese defender has drawn the attention of several Premier League giants due to his consistent performances in the Primeira Liga.
It was previously reported that Liverpool had inquired about Inacio during the summer, as they are actively seeking long-term replacements for the aging Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
Manchester United had also shown interest, but their pursuit was halted as Harry Maguire remained at Old Trafford.
As per Sport Bild, Manchester United has withdrawn from the competition, making Liverpool the front-runners.
Jurgen Klopp holds Inacio in high regard and views him as the preferred choice to bolster the defense.
Inacio, a left-footed player, exhibits composure with the ball at his feet and is seen as a potential successor to Van Dijk, aligning with Liverpool’s long-term plans.
Liverpool recently dispatched scouts to observe Inacio’s performance while representing Portugal against Bosnia, alongside experienced center-back Ruben Dias.
The match proved relatively uneventful for Inacio, as his team secured a dominant victory, with all five goals scored in the first half.
Inacio’s contract with Sporting is valid until 2027, but his €49 million release clause may tempt Liverpool to make a move.
Liverpool is scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, while Inacio’s Sporting will take on Boavista in a league encounter a day later.