Gonzalo Inácio plays for Portugal against Ireland (Photo by Charles McQuillan, Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Reports in Spain have now confirmed recent reports that Liverpool are targeting Sporting Lisbon centre-back Gonzalo Inácio for a move in the January transfer window.
Talks appear to be accelerating with reports that the Reds are set to increase their interest in the Portugal international following his poor defensive performances this season.
According to a report from Spain’s Ficajes, Liverpool want to accelerate efforts to sign Inacio, who is seen as an urgent need at Anfield.
Inácio has enjoyed a stellar spell at Sporting and his price tag won’t come cheap, with Fichajes claiming the Merseyside giants could pay up to €80 million to sign the 24-year-old in January.
Gonzalo Inacio targeted by Liverpool following interest from Manchester United
Inácio has previously been linked with Manchester United, as he is well known for his manager at Sporting, Ruben Amorim.
Portuguese outlet A. Bora linked Inacio with Man United in the summer, but a move never materialized at that time.
It will be interesting to see if United decide to target Inacio again to beat rivals Liverpool.
However, Amorim already has a lot of depth at the back, so Liverpool arguably don’t need Inacio any more than they do at the moment.
Liverpool look to sign more centre-backs after poor start in defence.
LFC’s defensive record this season has been alarming, with Arne Slott’s side currently languishing in 12th place in the Premier League, having conceded 20 goals in 12 games.
Ibrahima Konate also has serious issues to resolve as he is in the final months of his contract.
Indi Kaira recently catch off side Liverpool are also said to be ready to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Gehi to replace Konate in January.
Whether it’s Guehi, Inacio or another central defender, it’s clear that something needs to change in this Liverpool team in the second half of the season.
