Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool remain keenly interested in Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, having scouted him several times already.
This interest comes as Liverpool prepares for potential changes in their defensive lineup, with Joel Matip expected to depart upon the expiration of his contract this summer, coinciding with manager Jurgen Klopp's exit.
Inacio has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield recently with the latest report from Football Insider suggesting Liverpool can sign the defender for a discounted price of £40 million.
Liverpool have been linked with various central defenders of late and Inacio has consistently been mentioned as a potential addition at Anfield.
Notably, he currently plays under Ruben Amorim, who is the frontrunner to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.
Moreover, Inacio has also caught the attention of major clubs like Real Madrid, underscoring his rising profile in European football.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Romano clarifies that while Liverpool have extensively scouted the 22-year-old defender, they have yet to initiate formal negotiations or contact with his representatives.
"Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio is being linked with Liverpool again and it’s been the case for years now – it’s already 2-3 years of these rumours," wrote Romano for Caught Offside.
"Liverpool have been scouting him multiple times but at the moment there are no talks or contacts, it’s just the same scouting activity that other clubs are doing for Inacio, who is one of the most talented centre-backs around."
Inacio's potential move to Liverpool could gain momentum if Amorim takes the helm, especially considering the discounted price tag.
Additionally, another Sporting defender, Ousmane Diomande, has been linked with Liverpool.
The 20-year-old Ivorian, also a key figure in Sporting's defence, has been linked with the Reds pretty consistently over the last nine months.