Liverpool have recently been keen to sign ‘very talented’ 22-year-old player – Fabrizio Romano

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Liverpool have been interested in signing Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio in the recent past.

The Reds were reportedly looking into bringing in another defender during this summer’s transfer window, with Inacio regularly linked. In the end though, the 22-year-old stayed put in Portugal.

But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Inacio may soon be on the move. If not to Liverpool, then to one of their biggest rivals.

“One final point on United, as I can confirm that Goncalo Inacio is another name on their list of centre-back targets, along with other names I recently told you, such as Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva,” Romano reports.

“United are now sending their scouts to Portugal to watch, not just Silva, but also Inacio. Then in the next months they will decide with Ten Hag which player is right for them, and how much they want to spend.

“Inacio has also been on the list at Liverpool and Newcastle in recent years, while Sporting also extended his contract during the summer.

“He’s a very talented player, so let’s see how his situation evolves in the months ahead.”

Liverpool keen on Inacio

It’s unclear from Romano’s update today whether Liverpool are still keen on Inacio, or whether this is purely an historical interest.

But given that the Portugal international has only just turned 22, we don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be an ongoing thing.

The last centre-back they signed was Ibrahima Konate in 2021. At the time Konate joined, Inacio was yet to even turn 20. There’s no way he would have been seen as an alternative to the Frenchman.

As a result, we’d expect that the Reds are still keeping a close eye on Inacio in regards to a future move.

Whether that happens or not may depend on whether United take their interest any further. Having seen Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans start their game against Brentford at the weekend, their immediate need is greater than Liverpool’s.

If Inacio is still on the market come the summer though, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Reds reignite their interest.

We don’t expect anything to happen in January, but beyond that is anyone’s guess.