Goncalo Inacio is quickly becoming a star for Sporting and Portugal (Photo: Getty Images)

Liverpool are ready to take on Manchester United and sign Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio after scouts were sent to watch the impressive young defender.

The 22-year-old was identified as a target for Manchester United earlier this year after being mentioned as a possible replacement for Harry Maguire this summer.

However, the England international remained at Old Trafford and the Red Devils therefore did not bring in a new central defender.

Manchester United’s interest in Inacio has not waned, but they now face serious competition from Liverpool after the Reds saw the Portuguese perform for his country during the international break.

Inacio started for Portugal alongside Manchester City’s Ruben Dias at centre-back in the 5-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and according to Portuguese publication A Bola, Liverpool scouted the young defender during the match.

The Mirror reports that Inacio now appears to be “at the center of a transfer battle” between the two Premier League giants, both of whom are keen on him.

Inacio has already made 133 appearances for Sporting after breaking into the first team in 2020, with experience in the Champions League, Europa League and now four caps for his country.

The central defender has already scored two goals for Portugal, including in the 9-0 win against Luxembourg. He has also shown a flair for goal for his club, scoring 11 times from defense in his young career.

Sporting signed a new contract with Inacio in August, lasting until 2027, so there is little pressure to sell one of their excellent young stars, especially if Premier League clubs come calling in the January transfer window.