Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast is “in the crosshairs” of Liverpool, according to reports in the Portuguese media.

Tabloid Record claim that the Belgian, who has been capped 22 times at senior level, is being targeted as a potential alternative to Marc Guehi.

The Reds are hoping to strengthen their options at the back either in January or at the end of the season.

Guehi has been deemed the top priority, with the centre-back having seen a £35m switch to Merseyside collapse at the very last minute on Deadline Day last month.

However, due to his contract situation, the 25-year-old will have the luxury of signing a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams as soon as January 1st.

Some have suggested that Guehi now favours a move to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants do firm up their interest over the coming months. If that happens, Arne Slot’s team will need to explore moves for other targets.

Debast will not be available on the cheap

The 21-year-old only joined Sporting at the start of last season and his contract expires in the summer of 2029. It means the Liga Portugal champions are in a very strong negotiating position.

If they don’t want to sell Debast, they will hold out for his release clause, which is reportedly worth £70m.

Liverpool may face competition from Premier League rivals

Debast is also believed to be on the radar of Manchester United. Head coach Ruben Amorim signed the Belgian international prior to his departure to Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old is said to be keen on bringing him to England, although recruiting a centre-back is unlikely to be at the top of United’s agenda. The majority of their transfer funds are set to be put towards purchasing a central midfielder.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here