Liverpool set to trigger €60M release clause; Newcastle considering it

Liverpool, along with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, are vying for the chance to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

There is reportedly a high chance that Jurgen Klopp triggers his €60 million (£52M) release clause in the January transfer window as he seeks a replacement for Joel Matip.

The veteran centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and Inacio is one of the players targeted to replace him.

According to Maisfutebol journalist Bruno Andre, Newcastle United might also make a bid for Inacio.

He reports: "Newcastle has been studying behind the scenes the signing of Gonçalo Inácio.

"The Sporting central defender has been closely monitored since last season, with the assessment gaining more strength in recent weeks.

"To guarantee the purchase of the young player in January, the English club has already learned that it will need to meet the value of the release clause: 60 million euros."

The value of Inacio's release clause is well known after it was verified following claims interested clubs would only need to pay 75% of his release clause upfront. Sporting will accept nothing short of the full €60M (£52M).

Having developed Inacio in the Sporting academy, the Portuguese club stands to make a pure profit from selling the 22-year-old.

If he leaves for the Premier League, he will join a long list of talents the Liga Portugal club has made from selling abroad in recent seasons with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Matheus Nunes for huge fees.