In the January transfer window, Real Madrid and Liverpool are competing to sign Goncalo Inacio, a defender for Sporting CP.

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AHEAD OF TIME? Liverpool intends to make a bid to sign the 22-year-old defender in January after identifying him as a long-term replacement for Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk, the team’s aging defensive tandem. However, AS claims that Real Madrid, who intends to bolster their defense in the impending transfer window, will compete with them.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: According to the report, the Portuguese powerhouses do not intend to let go of their star player, who only becomes available to clubs in January if they are prepared to pay his €60 million (£52 million/$63 million) release clause.

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WHAT NEXT? The Portugal international will be next seen in action for his club when they take on Estrela Amadora in the Primeira Liga on Sunday.