Liverpool send scouts to assess Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio?

Liverpool have reportedly identified Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio as a potential future transfer target.

Earlier this week, the Merseyside giants got back to winning ways as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Everton in the derby at Anfield.

However, despite the triumph moving Jurgen Klopp's side back to within nine points of fourth place in the Premier League table with a game in hand, it is widely accepted that the German will look to oversee changes to his squad in the summer.

If reports are to believed, central midfield is the priority with a number of players likely to depart the club on a free transfer at the end of their contracts.

Nevertheless, it has become apparent that Liverpool may require at least one new centre-back due to the inconsistencies of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, as well as the frequent injury issues of Ibrahima Konate.

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Much may depend on the size of funds which are provided for Klopp to freshen up his squad, with another right-back also potentially being on the agenda.

That said, according to Correio da Manha, consideration is already being given to making a bid for Inacio.

Before the start of this campaign, the Portugal Under-21 international was said to be admired by at least two Premier League clubs in Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A move never materialised, however, with the 21-year-old continuing to represent Sporting having progressed through to the club's academy setup.

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Inacio has made 26 starts and two substitute outings this campaign, the last of which came at the weekend as Sporting lost 2-1 against rivals Porto.

Despite that defeat, scouts who were present at the game are said to have been left impressed by the performance of Inacio, who played on the right-hand side of a back three.

That is a formation which has been rarely used by Klopp at Liverpool, and Inacio would likely have to adapt to featuring in a back four should he ever move to the club.

Although the defender allegedly possesses a £40m release clause, whether any interested club are required to meet that fee may depend on if Sporting are successful in retaining a spot in the Champions League for 2023-24.

The Primeira Liga giants have recently generated substantial income through sales, however, with Matheus Nunes and Pedro Porro having joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.