Goncalo Inacio has emerged as Liverpool’s priority target to strengthen their defence, with an offer in excess of €30m set to reach Sporting’s SAD soon.
The English press reports that the Portuguese have found themselves at the top of the Reds’ preferences after Manchester United confirmed the signing of Leni Joro (ex-Lille), who was the main candidate to strengthen the defensive line.
Sporting are not closing the door to a possible deal and if at the initial stage they indicated a release clause of 60 million euros, they have now agreed to start a conversation for around 45 million.
The player remains out of the process. He is on holiday after playing in the European Championship with Portugal and is due to be reinstated next week. Manchester United were another club that closely monitored the 23-year-old centre-back but ultimately opted for Frenchman Leni Yoro, who is just 18.
If Gonçalo Inácio leaves Alvalade, Sporting have several options in defence: Eduardo Quaresma, Diomande, Saint-Juste, Matheus Reis, João Muniz and the reinforcement of Debast.
This closed season, the Lions have already seen the departure of Luis Neto (his contract has expired) and captain Coates, who moved to Nacional Montevideo due to family problems.
HJULMAND AND DEBAST NEWS
Ruben Amorim already has Danish side Hjulmand and Belgian side Debast at his disposal. The two players reunited on Thursday after a short break following the European Championship. The duo should be available for the first official game of the season, the Supertaça against Porto, on August 3.
Paulo Iago
Paulo Iago, a 17-year-old midfielder (ex-Real Madrid), is on his way to the youth ranks of Sporting, reports the portal Relevo.
