Liverpool have 'beaten' Manchester United to 'the new Ruben Dias': report

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Liverpool and Manchester United have been slogging it out for the same defender, with the Reds looking more likely to win his signature, now

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield on October 21, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
(Image credit: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of a highly-rated young defender considered Ruben Dias's successor in the Portugal national team.

The Reds have been in the market for a centre-back for a few months now. There were rumours over the summer for a move for Josko Gvardiol before he eventually ended up at Manchester City, as Jurgen Klopp looks to ensure the long-term future of an ageing backline. 

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both 32, with Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez in reserve behind them – so a new defender seems likely in the next couple of transfer windows. 

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk reacts to defeat after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is 32 now (Image credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

BILD have relayed the news that Sporting superstar Goncalo Inacio is Klopp's "preferred candidate" in defence – and that the race for his signature has just been won with Manchester United's withdrawal. 

The Red Devils are looking to bring in new blood at the back with Harry Maguire set to be moved on, Raphael Varane now 30, Victor Lindelof out of favour and Lisandro Martinez suffering from injury issues of late. Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag, however, new signings hinge on outgoings.

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The Athletic says that Jadon Sancho's imminent departure is only going to be a loan, leaving Manchester United with little room for bringing in a new player in January. Ten Hag had to sign Sofyan Amrabat on loan during the summer, due to financial restrictions.

Liverpool, meanwhile, could fairly straightforwardly activate the £42 million release clause of Inacio this winter, in order to strengthen midseason.

Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP in action during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and FC Vizela at Estadio Jose Alvalade on August 12, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Goncalo Inacio of Sporting is on Liverpool's radar (Image credit: Getty Images)

Inacio is a left-footed centre-back who would feasibly force Van Dijk over to the right side of a defensive pairing. 

Transfermarkt values the 22-year-old at €30m.

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.