Man United want to sign ‘amazing’ player, but so does Jurgen Klopp – Romano

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Liverpool are continuing to watch Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio but are yet to make a bid.

Inacio has been one of the players most regularly linked with Liverpool as they search for a long-term left-sided option in defence.

Just yesterday, journalist Neil Jones reported that the 22-year-old is very much on the list at Anfield. And today, Fabrizio Romano has followed suit.

Reporting for his Daily Briefing, the transfer expert has claimed that Inacio is a favourite with both Liverpool and Manchester United.

“Goncalo Inacio continues to impress as one of the top young defenders in Europe,” Romano says. “Showing huge potential with Sporting Lisbon and recently working his way onto Manchester United’s potential list of targets.

“But there is also Liverpool – the Reds have always been in the stands to scout and follow Inacio, but at the same time they never sent official bids or started negotiations.

“There’s nothing new so far, as he signed a new deal at Sporting in August as there was nothing concrete happening with UK clubs. Still, I think he’d be an amazing option for any club, Liverpool or United in particular; left footed players at that level are very rare to find.”

Liverpool still watching Inacio

If Liverpool were already convinced by Inacio, then there’s no reason they wouldn’t have pulled the trigger on his signing in the summer.

The Portugal international was available for a reasonable release clause from Sporting. But, as Romano points out, he’s since signed a new contract, increasing that clause.

As it was pretty clear for a while that a new deal was in the works, the chance was there for Liverpool to swoop in and avoid paying more. For whatever reason, they chose not to take that opportunity.

Now, with more and more clubs starting to circle Inacio, it looks more difficult to bring him to Anfield.

Nevertheless, Liverpool clearly still think there’s a chance. If not, they wouldn’t keep sending their scouts to be in the stands watching him.

Besides, midfield was always the priority for the Reds in 2023. 2024 promises to be all about the defence.

Whether that’s in early or mid 2024 will likely depend on the actions of other clubs, such as Man United. If Liverpool’s arch-rivals decide to make a January move for Inacio, maybe the Reds will be triggered to follow suit. If not, we’ll have to wait for summer time to see how it all unfolds.