Liverpool news: Deal dead in the water as Klopp faces £51m price tag for future transfer

Chelsea V Liverpool: Pictures Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to pay the price for stalling over a move for Goncalo Inacio. The Sporting defender is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with the Portuguese giants that will hike up his release clause. Inacio is hailed as one of the most promising young talents currently coming through in his homeland. Already a full Portuguese international, the 21-year-old has banked over 100 first-team appearances for Sporting. With left-footed centre-backs always a precious commodity in the transfer market, Liverpool were rumoured to be weighing up a move for the youngster. But a reluctance to stump up his £38.5million release clause could be about to backfire. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sporting and Inacio have reached an agreement over a new contract. Goncalo Inacio is one of Sporting’s highest-value players The long-term deal effectively puts an end to hopes of Liverpool prising the youngster away during the current window. And part of the agreement has seen Inacio’s release clause jump up to an eye-watering £51m. The Reds aren’t the only Premier League heavyweights keeping tabs on the Portugal star. Newcastle and Manchester United are also in the mix, with Old Trafford rumoured to be Inacio’s dream destination. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Transfer news LIVE as Man Utd target Gravenberch after double Liverpool enquiry Thankfully for Klopp, he already has plenty of options at centre-back with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip providing experienced back-up to Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. As a result, the German’s focus has primarily been on recruiting midfielders. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have already bolstered that department this summer, but a host of exits have left Klopp short ahead of next month’s transfer deadline. The signing of Wataru Endo is set to relieve some of the weight on Liverpool’s shoulders. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were credited with interest in Goncalo Inacio