Liverpool send scouts to watch €45m Sporting Lisbon centre-back

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 15 Feb 2023 20:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Goncalo Inacio last weekend - the centre-back who FootballTransfers revealed was one of their summer targets this week.

A report in Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha states that the Reds had staff watching over the defender during his side’s 2-1 loss to Porto on Sunday.

The outlet goes on to claim that the 21-year-old has a €45m release clause in his contract and that the Reds will make a move in the upcoming window.

READ MORE: How Xabi Alonso is setting himself up as the new Klopp

FootballTransfers was told how Inacio is among Liverpool’s options for the window - but that it would be between him or three others.

The Reds’ top target for defence is RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol - but the side believe they will struggle to purchase him over their rivals, while their endeavour to buy Jude Bellingham means it will be hard to fulfil the full amount that the defender's club wants.

Furthermore, the centre-back is also liked by Real Madrid and Manchester City.

As well on their preliminary list of defensive targets are Antonio Silva of Benfica and Jarrad Branthwaite, who’s at PSV Eindhoven on loan from Everton.

Sources in Portugal had told FootballTransfers that Inacio may be a couple of years off the Premier League level but that Sporting would be open to a move this summer.

Bellingham budget

As we revealed last month, Liverpool have set aside a budget for Bellingham and the club’s hierarchy have already had contact with the player’s side, with meetings taking place in their London offices last year.

The sticking point is Champions League, but should Liverpool beat Newcastle away on Saturday, they would be six points behind the fourth-place club and with a game in hand.

Their game against Everton was a refreshing display, given the dour results they have had their way so far this season.

In any case, the club are set to be handed a huge budget for the summer window, with FSG boosting Jurgen Klopp’s ambition of a squad overhaul following what’s more than likely to be a disappointing season.