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Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio is a player that has been linked with Liverpool since the previous summer transfer window.

In recent weeks, fresh reports have suggested that Liverpool have ‘stepped up efforts’ to try and land the Portuguese international.

Liverpool, having revamped their recruitment strategy under Michael Edwards’ leadership, and Inacio has continued to be linked the club after it was announced that he would be returning.

Reinforcing the center-back position is emerging as a priority, not only due to Joel Matip’s expected exit when his contract concludes but also because of Ibrahima Konate’s recurring injury issues and Virgil van Dijk aging, now at 32 years old.

Infact, the last time the Reds bought a new central defender was indeed Ibrahima Konate all the way back in 2021.

It is safe to say that the Anfield chiefs will then at least heavily explore an opportunity to bring in a centre-back in the summer – with Fabrizio Romano suggesting as much.

The 22-year-old earned his fourth international cap recently and seems poised to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2024.

A product of the Sporting CP academy, he has been a crucial part of his childhood club since breaking into the first team in the 2020/21 season.

To date, Inacio has made over 130 appearances for Sporting, a notable accomplishment for someone of his age.

The 22-year-old earned has six international caps to his name and seems poised to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2024.

A product of the Sporting CP academy, he has been a crucial part of his childhood club since breaking into the first team in the 2020/21 season.

To date, Inacio has made over 130 appearances for Sporting, a notable accomplishment for someone of his age.

And it seems Sporting could be preparing for his outgoing transfer in the summer.

Sporting CP close to a new centre-back signing

Reliable Portuguese outlet Record have today reported that Sporting CP are ‘entering the finish line’ for Anderlecht defender Zeno Debast.

The 20-year-olddefender is ‘no longer running away from Sporting CP and will be a reinforcement according to the newspaper’.

The Belgian international defender will reportedly cost Sporting between €16-18 million and signs for 5 seasons.

It seems now that Sporting themselves are preparing for possible departures in their defensive areas – with Inacio no doubt high up on the list of many clubs around Europe.

However, Ousmane Diomonde is another defender that has been linked away from the Lisbon club, so Sporting could just be covering their bases.

Nonetheless, it is a situation to keep an eye on, as Sporting would not be forking over €20 million euros if they thought they had enough defensive cover for next season.

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