Liverpool leading the race for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio

Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, as per a report from Le Parisien.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been tracking the Portuguese central defender, but the Merseysiders are ahead of them in the pursuit.

Inacio has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, becoming a key cog in Sporting’s defence as well as one of Europe’s best young central defenders.

The 21-year-old has turned the heads of top European clubs with his fantastic form this season, racking up 48 appearances in all competitions.

Inacio, who made his Portugal debut in March, has a contract running until 2026 containing a release clause worth around €45 million.

For their part, Sporting are looking to keep hold of him and have planned a contract extension with an increased salary.

However, Inacio might have a big chance to look for a new chapter, having grown in stature at Sporting CP.

As for Liverpool, Reinforcing the defence is a priority besides midfield in the summer transfer window.

The current season has been characterised by a lacklustre defence, conceding 44 goals in the Premier League – a notable decline since they conceded only 26 goals last season.

As poor as the players like Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been, Virgil van Dijk also looks far from his best this season.

In addition to Inacio, the Reds are also keeping tabs on Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who has expressed his desire to leave the Eredivisie club this summer.

Liverpool are also working to close the deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have been in excellent form of late, securing five consecutive wins in the Premier League.

They are fifth in the table with 59 points, four points adrift of Manchester United, who still have a game in hand.