Sources: Liverpool shortlist two centre-backs with another joining Man City
Liverpool have shortlisted two centre-backs with another long-term target Josko Gvardiol set to join Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
Gvardiol, 21, is closing in on a move to the treble-winners in a deal worth a reported £86million.
Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Sporting CP and Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 July) that Newcastle are also exploring a potential summer move for the 21-year-old – who “fits the profile” at St James’ Park.
It is believed Inacio has a release clause in his Sporting CP contract worth €60million (£51.5million).
Newcastle and Liverpool could battle for the defender's signature - with the Reds already beating their rivals to a deal for Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.
Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have also shortlisted Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven.
As revealed by Football Insider on 25 June, Liverpool are prepared to battle Tottenham for the Dutchman this summer.
Klopp’s ideal profile for a defensive signing this summer is a versatile operator who can play in an orthodox back four as well as in a back three - allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to assume his new-found role in midfield.
Van de Ven is seen as someone who fits that profile.
He enjoyed a breakthrough season with Wolfsburg last term, making 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Inacio is one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in world football and has been widely linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
The Portugal international racked up 52 appearances across all competitions last term, notching four goals and three assists.
Liverpool currently have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as centre-back options.