Liverpool and Man United 'monitoring' defender as £85m price tag emerges

Liverpool face a busy few months as the opening of the summer transfer window edges ever closer.

The Reds have been credited with an interest in several potential new signings this summer ahead of Arne Slot's first season as head coach. New sporting director Richard Hughes will be tasked with negotiating deals to bring new players to Anfield ahead of next season.

It remains to be seen what targets Liverpool have identified ahead of the new season. Slot will be busy preparing the squad for pre-season training which begins next month and includes a trip to the United States for three friendly matches.

Liverpool are likely to step up their interest in their potential targets in the next couple of months. And the latest rumours have speculated who could be on the agenda for the Reds this summer.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio is a target for Liverpool this summer. it has been claimed that the Reds are "monitoring" the centre-back and could make a move this summer.

Manchester United are also mentioned in the report as weighing up a move for Inacio, with the Old Trafford club and the Reds reportedly keen to strengthen their centre-back options. It has been reported that Inacio has a €60 million (£51 million) release clause in his contract at Sporting which can be activated this summer by any interested club willing to pay the fee.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have learned the asking price for Benfica defender Antonio Silva according to fresh reports.

Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha has claimed that both Liverpool are Arsenal are interested in signing Silva. However, the report claims that Benfica would demand a fee in the region of €100 million (£85 million) to let the centre-back leave the club this summer.

Silva has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool, with Man United also being credited with an interest in the past. It remains to be seen if Liverpool, or indeed any club, is willing to meet Benfica's reported asking price for the defender's signature this summer.