Liverpool and Man Utd step up pursuit of Inacio

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 May 2024 16:21 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool and Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Goncalo Inacio in recent days, FootballTransfers has been told.

The Sporting CP defender has a release clause but we understand that both sides have enquired about putting in a proposal below that.

The Reds, who recently shaped up their recruitment with Michael Edwards heading the club’s transfer dealings, are maintaining the same targets ahead of the summer window, irrespective of Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season.

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We are told that Liverpool have long admired Inacio but are also looking at other options to bolster their defence. Levi Colwill is still hugely appreciated by the side, though they know it’s a nearly impossible task to bring the England international in from Chelsea.

The Merseyside club are testing the water before being willing to pay the Inacio's £51 million release clause. The Lisbon-based giants are resigned to losing the 22-year-old in the near future but also have Ousmane Diomonde on their books, who plays to the right of Inacio at Sporting and could also depart in the summer.

Who are Man Utd's other targets?

Jarrad Branthwaite is still a target for Man Utd, with Everton looking to sell their biggest asset to raise funds.

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As previously reported, Everton will ask for around £75 million for Branthwaite in the upcoming window, though there is an idea that an initial £65m will be enough for Man Utd if add-ons make up the rest of Everton's valuation.

The club also want another striker and a right-back, though we are told by sources close to Diogo Dalot that the Portugal international is willing to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford and has no desire to leave regardless of any new recruits they bring in.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to maximise spending in the summer, but the overall budget is contingent on Man Utd's European prospects.