Manchester United update emerges for Liverpool as Goncalo Inacio transfer now lined up

Liverpool and Manchester United are both scouting Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer specialist reported via his Daily Briefing column (4 June) that both sides have shown an interest in the centre-back who has £51million (€60million) release clause in his contract.

United are considering a move for a left-footed centre-half but their initial priority is to sign a right-footed defender, so it remains to be seen whether the two rival sides will compete with one another to sign the 22-year-old.

Writing in his column, Romano said: "Inacio is being scouted and monitored by United, but also by Liverpool, and he has a €60m release clause in his contract with Sporting.

"These clubs are showing an interest in Inacio, so let’s see if they decide to start a proper negotiation.

"This could be an interesting situation to follow as many clubs around Europe are looking for left-footed centre-backs, and United and Liverpool could be in the race for Inacio so keep an eye on this one."

Will Liverpool face Manchester United in Goncalo Inacio transfer race?

The summer window may not have even yet gotten properly underway, but it is clear that Arne Slot is ready to put his stamp on the squad before the Premier League gets back underway in a few month's time.

While most supporters will be hoping to see the Dutchman move to sign one or two attacking options, especially with several forward players being linked with a move to Anfield, bolstering the defence could well be a priority.

Although Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate and Jarrell Quansah had excellent seasons, Slot needs to add another option to provide some greater depth to the backline now that Joel Matip has left Merseyside as a free agent.

Inacio could fill that void and as a left-footed defender, he would offer something different to the other options already in the Liverpool squad.

Whether the Reds can beat United to his signature remains to be seen, from the face of it they seem a more attractive option than the Red Devils.

In other Liverpool news, Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Luis Diaz, with Deco holding talks with his agents.

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