Liverpool now expected to submit offer for ‘dominant’ £51m defender previously scouted by Arsenal

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Liverpool are scouring the market for potential reinforcements – as they haven’t exactly been too fortunate with their previous pursuits.

The Reds are the only Premier League side yet to make a signing this summer and have thus far been frustrated in their efforts to add to their squad.

A number six was the main priority heading into the summer and Liverpool made a move to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, although the midfielder rejected their advances to remain at his boyhood club.

With Joel Matip leaving the club at the end of last season and Sepp van den Berg linked with a move to Mainz, the Reds could dip into the transfer market in the coming days to snap up a central defender – with an extremely exciting young prospect now rumoured.

Liverpool to make Goncalo Inacio offer

Liverpool are now set to make an offer for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal centre-back, Goncalo Inacio.

Inacio was linked with a move to Arsenal previously, but the Gunners pressed ahead with a move for Riccardo Calafiori instead.

According to O Jogo, the Reds are now set to meet Inacio’s agent Miguel Pinto – who is currently in England – and present an official offer for his client.

Pinto is believed to be in the country to thrash out terms for Bruno Fernandes’ contract extension with Manchester United, which was officially confirmed yesterday.

The report also states that while Inacio has a £51m release clause – a fee Liverpool will have no problem paying – Sporting would be open to lowering their asking price to around £38m to facilitate the 22-year-old’s departure.

Inacio, however, has a contract with Sporting until the summer of 2027, so it remains to be seen if a transfer materialises.

Inacio would tick a lot of boxes for Liverpool

Liverpool were linked with a move for Leny Yoro earlier this summer, but the Frenchman ended up swapping Lille for Manchester United.

While Yoro is a fantastic talent, Liverpool weren’t keen on committing £60m for an 18-year-old who will likely come in as their fifth-choice defender.

Links with Portuguese international, on the other hand, make a lot more sense for Liverpool. Inacio has been described as a ‘dominant’ defender and has played 173 games for Sporting CP since making his debut in 2020.

Primarily a left-footed defender, Inacio’s arrival would make him an able deputy for Virgil van Dijk, who has entered the last year of his current deal.

Liverpool currently don’t have a left-footed central defender and Inacio’s potential arrival would add another dimension to Arne Slot’s backline.

Additionally, Sporting’s willingness to lower their demands to around £38m makes this transfer one to watch ahead of deadline day.