Liverpool issued £51m next transfer stance by Sporting CP manager

Ruben Amorim has addressed claims about Goncalo Inacio's future being discussed between his agent and Liverpool. Reports in Portugal claim Liverpool still hold an interest in the centre-back and were set to begin talks with agent Miguel Pinho.

The club are yet to fill the gap left by Joel Matip, as he departed earlier this summer following the expiration of his contract at Anfield. It's said talks with Liverpool would be informal at this stage, though the club would present a proposal to Inacio's agent Pinho.

The defender remains under contract at Sporting Clube de Portugal until the summer of 2027 and has a £51million (€60m) release clause attached to his deal. Meanwhile, the Lions boss Amorim, is determined to keep hold of the Portugal international, having reportedly included his name on a list of players he does not want to lose this summer.

However, he did acknowledge during a press-conference that 'anything can happen' during the transfer window. When asked about Liverpool's reported interest in Inacio, Amorim said on Friday: "There has been a lot of news and I don't know if there have been negotiations or not. Inacio is a Sporting player and will play tomorrow.

"We've already had similar situations this summer, we know that our players are very attractive in the market and until a deal is agreed, anything is possible. If a player who had a big impact last season leaves, it would mean a lot of money coming in and that is how Portuguese clubs keep their teams competitive.

"I am not worried. If anyone leaves, it would mean a lot of money coming in and we are used to that. The players are focussed on the club, we are going to have a difficult year, we'll be playing in the Champions League. We want to win the league again and until the transfer window closes, anything can happen."