Liverpool scouted €60M target in person on Sunday evening - but he was sent off...

On Sunday it was reported that Liverpool sent scouts to watch Goncalo Inacio in action for Sporting Lisbon as they faced Benfica in a key game in the Liga Portugal title race.

Manchester United also sent representatives to watch the 22-year-old with it also claimed the Red Devils have a payment plan ready to negotiate with Sporting over his €60 million (£52m) release clause.

Playing as a left-sided centre-back in a back three, Inacio did not cover himself in glory and if Liverpool scouts were really in attendance, they likely were not very impressed.

Inacio was sent off six minutes into the second half for a very late challenge after receiving two yellow cards.

With Benfica winning the game 2-1, they move level with Sporting on 28 points.

In his 51 minutes on the pitch, Inacio didn't cover himself in much glory either.

He gave the ball away nine times, recorded an 80% pass accuracy which is quite low for a centre-back and made just one tackle, according to Sofascore.

Perhaps Liverpool should be looking at his partner in defence, Sebastian Coates! Now 33, the former Red was far more composed and reliable in defence, completing four tackles, clearing the ball nine times while making four interceptions.

He also didn't get sent off...

In all seriousness, this is just one game and Liverpool make their decisions on signings based on way more data and observation but it's certainly not a good look.

Joel Matip is leaving at the end of the season and he needs to be replaced with the club certain to take a lot of care when choosing his successor.