Liverpool transfers: Klopp reignites interest in £39m centre-back after shock Konate exit talk
Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in signing a top Sporting Lisbon centre-back as Jurgen Klopp reacts to rumours of Napoli’s interest in Ibrahima Konate.
The Reds boss is known to be keen on getting another central defender on board this summer, with a number of names linked with a switch to Anfield as Liverpool look to bounce back from their failure to finish in the top four last season.
Torino star Perr Schuurs has emerged as a major target for the Merseyside outfit, with Tuttosport reporting they’ve already had an opening offer of €30m (£26m) knocked back.
Klopp is rumoured to have told FSG to sign the Dutchman at any cost, but he is not the only centre-back on Liverpool’s radar.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba has also emerged as a target, although Tottenham remain the favourites to sign the Burkina Faso international.
And that has led the Reds to resurrect their interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, who has a €45m (£39m) release clause.
Sport Witness has relayed a report from Portugal which states that Klopp is “not satisfied” with his defence and that Inacio is “one of the names” on his list of targets.
Liverpool are said to have sent scouts to watch the talented 21-year-old on several occasions last season. It’s also claimed they have no problem meeting the £39m exit clause.
Inancio exit clause tipped to increase
However, the Anfield outfit will need to act quickly to get their man as Sporting are reportedly working on a new deal for the player that could see his exit clause
However, the Reds may have to move swiftly if they want to sign the youngster for a lower amount, as Sporting are working on offering him a new deal, which would his release clause raised to €80m (£69m).
Liverpool’s stance on signing another centre-back has also been ramped up due to Napoli’s interest in Konate.
The Serie A side are searching for a replacement for Kim min-Jae and have lined up the Reds defender as an ideal replacement.
