Liverpool have the ‘most pressing’ interest in Goncalo Inacio among English clubs, according to a report, with Manchester United also in the hunt.

Liverpool’s defence has not been the strong outfit it has been over the last few seasons of late. Last campaign, for example, the Reds conceded just 26 times in 38 Premier League games.

The strong defence allowed them to get forward and attack freely. The whole side being on song was a reason for their top season – finishing just a point shy of title winners Manchester City.

With four league games still to play this season, Liverpool have already conceded 42 times. And while the whole of the side has been below standard, that they’re so effective going forwards can sometimes bail them out if some at the back have a poor game.

It’s much harder for the attacking players to do that if the defence is leaking goals.

Injuries have not helped matters. Virgil van Dijk – the leader of the defence – missed a period in the middle of the season through injury. Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate – his two most regular partners – have also spent decent periods on the sidelines.

As such, it seems there are a few reasons that adding depth and quality to the backline would be a good idea.

There have been a few central defenders linked with moves to Anfield of late, and a new man has recently been added to that list.

Liverpool interested in Inacio

French outlet Le Parisien reports Sporting Lisbon centre-back Inacio is one of the top names on the Reds’ list. He’s played all but one of Sporting’s league games this season, and they’ve conceded less goals than the amount of games they’ve played.

Liverpool are reportedly ‘the most pressing’ club from England looking into the snare of the centre-back.

The report suggests he won’t be available for less than €45million (approx £39.2million). That’s not likely to be a massive problem for the Reds.

They seem to have already gotten the ball rolling on the snare, too. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s side have apparently ‘started talks to find out the feasibility of the deal’.

Reds will rival Man Utd for Inacio

While ‘most pressing’ would suggest Liverpool are out in front for the centre-back, they’re not too far ahead of another side. That side being their rivals Manchester United.

The Red Devils have reportedly identified Inacio as a good replacement for Harry Maguire. What’s more, they too have ‘made initial contact’ regarding signing him – not with Sporting , but with the player’s agent.

That report suggests there’s a chance Inacio’s agent attempts to steer him to United. However, that Liverpool are going through Sporting themselves could help to get the deal done, though there’s no guarantee that’s the case.

As it stands, it’s unclear which of the two Premier League giants are on top. While a move to United seems the more attractive one when you look at the league table, the presence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez would surely make it somewhat difficult to break into the side.

At Liverpool, Van Dijk is the only mainstay in the defence at the moment. As such, there could be an interesting battle between the Reds and United for the services of Inacio.

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