Liverpool submit opening bid worth €30M to complete vital January signing

Liverpool have opened the bidding to sign Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio, according to reports from Portugal, as Jurgen Klopp seeks to put an end to his defensive injury crisis.

The Reds have defied expectations this season to reach the semi-final of the Carabao Cup while topping the Premier League table. They're three points clear of Aston Villa and five clear of current champions, Manchester City.

Liverpool also topped their Europa League group and are into the knockout stages although that was expected.

However, this has not been achieved without overcoming obstacles.

Overview of Liverpool's defensive injury crisis

Klopp has once again had to juggle several injuries to defensive players with the most notable being Joel Matip's anterior cruciate ligament rupture which has ruled the centre-back out for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool planned to replace the former Schalke star at the end of the season when his contract is due to expire but now, those plans are being accelerated.

Left-back is also an area of major concern with Joe Gomez currently starting there to cover for Kostas Tsimikas (broken collarbone) and Andy Robertson (dislocated shoulder - surgery).

Ibrahima Konate has also had a few niggles this season but he's back fit and Klopp will be hoping that remains the case.

Liverpool submit €30 million bid to sign Goncalo Inacio

A report from Portuguese outlet Jorge das Transferencias suggests that Liverpool have tabled an opening offer for Goncalo Inacio worth around €30 million (£26M).

A recent report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claimed that Liverpool are pushing hard to complete a deal to sign the centre-back after Sporting Lisbon signed an apparent replacment. The Liga Portugal table-toppers signed Rafael Silva from Leixões after agreeing a €750,000 fee.

Due to this, it was reported by A Bola that Lisbon decision makers view Inacio's exit from the club as "inevitable". To be clear, this doesn't mean it's inevitable he will join Liverpool rather that Sporting have little hope of keeping him in the face of interest across Europe.

A pinch of salt is always needed when assessing reports of bids being made (especially when Liverpool are involved) but if true, the Reds will need to increase their bid given that Inacio has a €60 million (£52M) release clause in his contract.