Reports: £52m target leaving now viewed as “inevitable” - Liverpool accelerating transfer swoop

Reports indicate that signing Goncalo Inacio is a distinct possibility for Liverpool this January transfer window as Jurgen Klopp seeks an end to his centre-back headache.

Joel Matip has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a rupture of his ACL which could mean he has played his last game for the club ahead of his contract expiry in June 2024.

This has opened up space in the starting lineup for 20-year-old Jarell Quansah especially given the serious injuries sustained by Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas which has resulted in Joe Gomez starting at left-back.

What do reports say about Liverpool transfer plans for Goncalo Inacio?

The Daily Mirror reported last week that Liverpool are accelerating plans to sign Inacio as a result of Matip's injury which could see the Portugal international join the club in January.

Now, Portuguese outlet A Bola claims Sporting Lisbon are resigned to losing Inacio in January with his departure descibed as "inevitable" which surely increases the likelihood of a move to Liverpool.

Inacio would be an automatic starter at Anfield and would arrive with the chance to win the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Europa League with the Reds.

Of course, it's still too early to comment on their chances of winning silverware this season but Liverpool have placed themselves in a commanding position to lift their first trophy since 2022 when they won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Signing a defensive midfielder remains more important but should van DIjk, Gomez or Quansah suffer an injury, it would place Jurgen Klopp in a tricky position.

This season represents a serious opportunity to win the league title again and so signing a defensive midfielder and centre-back could reinforce the Merseysiders at a crucial moment.