Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool receive boost in pursuit of exciting €45m European talent as Klopp has options to choose from

Ben Stewart
Goncalo Inacio of Sporting during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Sporting CP and Besiktas JK at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal

Along with boosting their options in midfield, Jurgen Klopp is also keen to strengthen Liverpool’s defensive options this summer.

The Reds have been more vulnerable than in previous years at the back. Liverpool have conceded an average of 1.16 goals per game and so Klopp is looking for a solution.

They have been linked with a move for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio for some time now. Along with Man Utd, Liverpool are keen on the defender.

Liverpool have been handed a boost in pursuit of the player. Sport Witness have reported that Sporting could be more flexible on his price tag.

It was previously claimed that the Portuguese club would only accept a bid of €45m, which is his release clause.

However, it is now being reported that they would be willing to accept a lower initial offer so long as the final deal is worth €45m.

This could tempt Liverpool into action as they wouldn’t have to pay the total fee up front. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer this year in Portugal.

Across all competitions, he has made 47 appearances this season. He has been a regular in the Sporting lineup for three years now and so a big move could be on the cards next.

Inacio will already be familiar with fellow Portuguese stars Diogo Jota and Fabio Carvalho who are in the Liverpool squad.

The Reds could use this to their advantage as they look to fend off competition from Europe for his signature.

Liverpool have alternative targets

While Liverpool are considering a move for Inacio, they do have some other targets in mind. Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has been the latest defender linked.

The 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength since his £18m switch from Chelsea two years ago. Forming an excellent partnership with Joachim Andersen, it’s easy to see why clubs are interested.

His current deal with Crystal Palace runs until 2026 and is he currently valued at around £50m.

The Reds aren’t alone in their interest though as the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with the defender.

Man Utd could also enter the race as they are keen on securing another defender in the summer window.

Comparatively, Inacio and Guehi do have similar underlying defensive stats. Both players are highly rated in their own right and would make for solid additions to this Liverpool back line.

For some, Guehi might have the edge because of his Premier League experience, but Liverpool have found some gems in the European market under Klopp.

Liverpool’s priority for this summer will be to sign a midfielder or two, but an extra defender would also be a handy addition.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfers: First summer signing agreed as £69.4 fee is struck and player ‘says goodbye’ to current club