Liverpool did not have the best time of things up against Manchester United this season.
The Reds had enjoyed a spell of dominance over their great rivals throughout Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager.
However, Klopp’s final impressions of United were ones of complete frustration. His Liverpool team simply could not get the better of the Red Devils over three games in 2023/24.
A bore-draw at Anfield in December was followed by an incredibly disappointing FA Cup quarter-final defeat and a 2-2 draw in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Liverpool are still in a better position that United as Arne Slot takes over from Klopp. But with the red half of Manchester now under new ownership, they’re looking determined to change that.
Man United prepare offer for Goncalo Inacio
Liverpool and United have often been targeting the same players over recent times. And it has been the Reds have usually come out on top of that fight.
Darwin Nunez was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford before joining Liverpool in 2022, for example.
Six months later Cody Gakpo was another who looked destined to join United, before the Reds swooped in to claim him.
The Red Devils did get a little revenge when Mason Mount chose them over Liverpool last summer, mind you.
READ MORE: Three dream signings for Liverpool in 2024, including Goncalo Inacio
So, after going head-to-head in three of the past four transfer windows, it looks like a new fight is about to play out between the clubs.
That’s according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, anyway. They claim that Liverpool and Man United will lock horns over the signing of Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio.
Inacio has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield for well over a year. However, O Jogo claim that it’s United who are set to ‘move forward’ for the 22-year-old. It’s claimed that Erik ten Hag’s side are ready to make a bid for Inacio, who has a £52m release clause.
Liverpool are said to be ‘watching’ developments, with the Portugal international also reportedly ‘in their sights.’
Liverpool need to move now for Inacio
If Liverpool are serious about making Inacio their new centre-back signing, then it looks like they’ll have to move relatively quickly.
The presence of a release clause does obviously make this slightly less pressurised in terms of a bidding war, but they can’t allow United a head start regardless.
With the Reds currently scouring the market for a defensive signing, Inacio would look like an outstanding option.
His price is relatively high, however it’s certainly affordable for Liverpool. It could also end up being a bargain for a player who has been described as ‘amazing’ by journalist Fabrizio Romano [Daily Briefing].
Liverpool could well have their eyes on other options, too. If they’ve decided that Inacio is not their man, then that’s fine.
Should he be at the top of their list though, then now is the time to move.