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Sources: Liverpool now want to sign left-sided star in January
Liverpool could accelerate their pursuit of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio if they suffer more key injuries before the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (7 October) that Man United are also interested in the 22-year-old and could be one of several European sides to formalise that interest next summer (2024).
However, Liverpool wanted a left-sided centre-back in the summer window but failed to land one before the 1 September deadline.
Ibrahima Konate has since struggled with injury, and only returned off the bench for last week’s (30 September) 2-1 away loss at Tottenham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness problems have also stretched Liverpool’s defensive options thin.
As such, Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the market for a left-sided defender ahead of the winter window, which opens on 1 January.
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It is believed further injury problems could force Liverpool to move for a new defender.
Inacio has blossomed into one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs and Sporting now believe they stand very little chance of keeping him in Lisbon.
However, they could attempt to resist a January sale as they target the Portuguese league title – but can do very little if his buyout clause is activated.
Inacio signed a new contract in August running until June 2027, but that agreement includes a £52million release clause.
The Portugal international has played every minute of all nine games for Sporting so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
He racked up 52 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 season, notching four goals and three assists.
Liverpool’s Konate has played just 24 minutes across the last five Premier League games, with Joel Matip stepping into the side in his absence.
Joe Gomez has also been forced to fill in for Alexander-Arnold at full-back as he recovers from an injury.
In other news, major update on Liverpool and Jarrod Bowen as talks open.