Liverpool 'to pay £42.9m release clause' for highly-rated defender Goncalo Inacio

Liverpool are reportedly ready to trigger the release clause of Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio as Jurgen Klopp seeks to bolster his back four.

The Reds have endured a frustrating transfer window which has seen them lose out on signing Moises Caicedo, who opted to join Chelsea at the last minute despite having a medical scheduled in Merseyside.

Meanwhile, Liverpool target Romeo Lavia looks set to follow Caicedo to Stamford Bridge after the Blues agreed a £60 million deal with Southampton on Monday.

Klopp's search for a new midfielder has taken on an increasing level of urgency following a mass exodus of players, with Liverpool currently operating without a fit and recognised No. 6.

Fabinho, who previously played the position for the club, packed his bags for the Saudi Pro League earlier in the summer alongside former captain Jordan Henderson, leaving Klopp scrambling for alternatives in the middle of the park.

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo is reportedly on the verge of a move to Anfield, having agreed personal terms with the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, Liverpool's next piece of business looks set to come in an entirely different position.

Liverpool are lining up a move for central defender Inacio, claim Portuguese outlet Diario de Noticias, despite Sporting's wish to tie him down to a new deal at the club.

The report adds that Inacio currently has a release clause of £38.5m but, once he signs his new deal, it will rise to £42.9m - a fee Liverpool are willing to match to bolster their back-four.

The Reds will need to act swiftly if they are to compete a deal, though, with Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United allegedly all keen on the young defender.

Being left-footed, Inacio would offer something that Liverpool currently don't have among their squad. While Virgil van Dijk largely operates on that side, Inacio's signing would ease the burden on the Dutchman as Liverpool prepare to compete in the Europa League alongside the Premier League this season.

Inacio, who came through Sporting's academy, has impressed since making the step up to the first-team and was rewarded with a call-up to the Portugal national team in March.