Sources: Liverpool could beat Real Madrid to trigger Portugal star's release clause
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Credit: Imago Sat 2 May 2026 14:55, UK Goncalo Inacio is attracting interest from Liverpool ahead of the summer but they are set to face intense competition from Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona for his services.Liverpool want to add another centre-back to their squad this summer, with Joe Gomez potentially set to move on and Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July.Inacio is on their radar as a long-term replacement for the Dutchman, but a move will not be straightforward for the Reds.The likes of Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, he will be available for a relatively affordable £52million fee.Liverpool’s transfer plans are accelerating ahead of the summer as they move closer to clinching Champions League qualification. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Liverpool facing stern competition as £52m Inacio move lined upInacio broke into the Sporting team as a teenager and has registered over 250 appearances for the club so far at just 24-years-old.He is also a regular at the back for Portugal and looks set to head to the World Cup, with those interested clubs likely to keep an eye on his performances ahead of a potential move.Appearances26Goal contributions4Clean sheets11Goals conceded while on pitch14Successful pass %89.7%Duels won per 904.89Tackles per 901.8Inacio’s 2025-26 Liga Portugal statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It won’t be a straightforward one for them (Liverpool), because there’ll be a lot of interest in Inacio.“Sporting Lisbon are willing to sell him for around, I think he’s got a £52million release clause in his contract, so not a bad price for somebody of Inacio’s quality.“I think you’ll have interest from Manchester United too, and Real Madrid and Barcelona are also admirers of him as well.”Liverpool plotting right-back swoop amid Jeremie Frimpong concernsWhile a centre-back signing is on the radar, Liverpool are now also planning to snap up a new right-back amid Arne Slot’s concerns over his compatriot Frimpong.The Dutchman has struggled with injuries throughout this season, and has not shown the form many expected of him when fit, following his £29.5m move from Bayer Leverkusen.With Conor Bradley still sidelined and Gomez possibly set to depart, sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are accelerating plans to sign a right-back this summer.Recent reports have claimed that they hold an interest in Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.