Liverpool to swoop for Man Utd defensive target?

Liverpool are reportedly planning an approach to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, who is also on the radar of Manchester United.

The Reds focused on bolstering their midfield department over the summer and they did not reinforce any other department.

However, the club are likely to plan for the same next year and reports claim that they are exploring a deal for Inacio in January.

United are also admirers of the Portuguese, but Liverpool are in a better financial position to afford him in the New Year.

The Red Devils need to balance their books first before signing another centre-back, but the same is not the case for their rivals.

Inacio signed a new deal earlier this summer to increase his release clause to €60m. Sporting are likely to hold out for the figure.

Liverpool could, however, convince them to accept staggered payments over multiple seasons than paying the whole fee up front.

Inacio is said to be open to moving to the Premier League.