Liverpool are expected to hold talks with the agent of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper reports that Reds officials “will soon meet” with the centre-back’s representative Miguel Pinho.
With Pinho already in England, having negotiated a new contract for another one of his clients, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, it appears as if Liverpool have decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Merseysiders have been scouring the transfer market for a new centre-half all summer, with the club keen to replace Joel Matip, who left on a free transfer at the start of July. However, up until now, they have not made a concerted effort to bring anyone in.
There was genuine interest in Leny Yoro but they weren’t willing to match the £52m bid from United. That is because they weren’t looking to pay that much for a player who wouldn’t be first choice.
How much would Inacio cost?
The Portuguese international signed a new contract in August last year which included a release clause worth €60m (£51.3m).
However, O Jogo report that Sporting are willing to sell Inacio for below that figure, with an offer of around €45m (£38.5m) likely to be accepted.
What type of player would Liverpool be signing?
Inacio is only 22 years of age but he does have a good amount of experience under his belt already, having played 173 senior games for Sporting. He has also lifted two Portuguese league titles as well as winning three domestic cup competitions.
He is left-footed, which means he could be deployed at left-back if needed, although there is no doubt that he is most comfortable in the middle of defence.
Based on what we know, Inacio would probably be brought in to be Virgil van Dijk’s understudy, at least initially.