Liverpool are preparing to trigger a £21.7m release clause to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer as they look to rebuild their squad.
The Premier League side are targeting the right flank of their team amid growing expectations that forward Mohamed Salah will depart Anfield.
The Netherlands international has unexpectedly fallen down the pecking order at the San Siro during the current campaign.
Despite helping the Italian giants reach last year’s Champions League final, the 29-year-old is now primarily utilised as a substitute.
Contract clause offers cut-price deal
The Dutch defender signed his current contract in 2024, inserting a €25m (£21.7m) buyout option valid until his deal expires in 2028.
Inter are now attempting to negotiate a one-year extension specifically to remove this vulnerable clause.
However, the former PSV Eindhoven star is reportedly open to a fresh challenge in England after losing his starting position in Serie A.
Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block given the substantial financial power of the English top flight.
Tactical fit and squad depth
The Merseyside club are actively seeking defensive alternatives after dealing with persistent injury problems throughout a highly challenging domestic season.
The current squad relies heavily on Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, but both players have struggled to maintain consistent fitness.
A successful move for the lightning-fast wing-back would provide vital versatility and allow the management to adjust tactical systems when required.
However, questions remain over whether the veteran’s attacking profile is a perfect long-term fit for a traditional defensive role.
“But he’s 29, injury concerns exist, and he’s more wing-back than full-back – questionable fit for Liverpool’s system. Good short-term option, limited long-term upside.”
A final transfer decision now hinges on whether the Milan-based hierarchy can persuade their unsettled defender to remain in Italy.
Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez has fuelled speculation over a potential summer transfer to Real Madrid by admitting he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
The Argentine international has repeatedly cast doubt over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge following the club’s recent exit from the Champions League.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on YouTube, the World Cup winner revealed his clear preference for a move to Spain if he were to ever leave London.
‘More comfortable in Spanish’
“I’d like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires,” he said.
The 24-year-old explained that while he currently manages with English, he would feel far more settled operating in his native language.
“Players live where they want. I’d live in Madrid,” he added.
“I get by in English, but I’d be more comfortable in Spanish.”
Delaying a definitive decision
These latest comments follow earlier remarks made to ESPN Argentina, where the Blues midfielder refused to explicitly commit to remaining in the Premier League next season.
While confirming there have been no formal discussions with the La Liga giants, he insisted his immediate focus remains on his current employers and the upcoming World Cup.
“Right now I’m focused on Chelsea, we’ll see after the World Cup.”
Future River Plate ambitions
Despite heavy links to Spain, the former South American prospect also outlined his desire to eventually return to his boyhood club in Argentina.
However, the combative playmaker made it clear that such a homecoming would not be treated merely as a retirement tour.
“I’ll go back to River, but not to retire – I want to return while I’m still at my best.”
The final six places for the expanded 2026 World Cup will be decided on Tuesday as Italy lead a host of nations battling in crucial play-off fixtures.
This summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico marks the first time 48 teams will compete on the global stage.
While 42 countries have already secured their tickets, intense drama awaits in both the European and intercontinental brackets.
European heavyweights face nervous wait
Four-time world champions Italy are desperate to avoid the unthinkable prospect of missing a third consecutive finals.
The Azzurri face a tense winner-takes-all encounter against Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure their passage to North America.
Elsewhere in Europe, Sweden clash with Poland while the Czech Republic take on Denmark in high-stakes ties.
The winner of the tightly contested fixture between Kosovo and Turkey already knows their broader destiny.
Whoever emerges victorious from that tie will slot straight into Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Intercontinental tickets hang in the balance
The final two global places will be punched during a separate intercontinental tournament hosted in Mexico.
Fifa’s unique qualification route has been whittled down from six global hopefuls to just four decisive contenders.
Congo will lock horns with Jamaica in Guadalajara as both nations chase a historic qualification.
Meanwhile, Monterrey will play host to a definitive showdown between Bolivia and Iraq.
Historic expanded tournament awaits
The upcoming spectacle kicks off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on 11 June.
Action will conclude more than a month later with the final on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
European nations dominate the current entry list with 12 sides already confirmed for the transcontinental showpiece.
Heavyweights including England, France, Germany and Spain are among those already preparing for the historic event.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has reignited the debate over her optimal role after scoring a blistering 27-minute hat-trick against north London rivals Tottenham.
BBC pundits Fara Williams and Anita Asante were quick to praise the England international following her devastating attacking display.
The former Manchester United attacker showcased her clinical finishing abilities during a dominant performance against Spurs.
This remarkable treble has prompted intense discussion regarding her long-term position within the Gunners’ tactical setup.
Tactical dilemma: Number nine or number ten?
Williams and Asante utilised the Women’s Football Show to carefully analyse the 25-year-old’s overall contribution to the team.
The central talking point remains whether the prolific forward operates more effectively leading the line or dropping deeper as a primary playmaker.
Russo has frequently demonstrated a natural propensity to link play, often vacating the penalty area to receive the ball in tight spaces.
However, her quick-fire treble serves as a potent reminder of her elite predatory instincts when deployed as a traditional striker.
A world-class derby statement
Delivering such a commanding display in a fiercely contested derby heavily reinforces her status among the Women’s Super League elite.
“That’s world-class.”
The studio analysts noted how her intelligent movement and exceptional spatial awareness completely overwhelmed the opposition defence.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall now faces a welcome tactical headache as he looks to consistently maximise the output of his marquee forward.
Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to lead their Premier League survival fight, while Atletico Madrid are monitoring Arsenal forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of the summer transfer window.
The north London club are frantically searching for a permanent head coach following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor by mutual consent.
Spurs currently find themselves embroiled in a desperate battle for top-flight survival.
They sit precariously just one point clear of the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining in the campaign.
De Zerbi emerges as Tottenham’s primary candidate
Sources indicate the Spurs hierarchy are eager to convince the highly-rated Italian tactician to take the reins immediately.
The former Brighton manager has been without a club since departing Marseille earlier this year in February.
Despite his historical preference to wait until the summer, reports in Italy suggest the 45-year-old could be persuaded to accept the challenging role now.
Former managers Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood and Glenn Hoddle have also been linked with the vacancy, alongside Sean Dyche and Robbie Keane.
Atletico Madrid explore move for Brazilian forwards
In Spain, Diego Simeone’s side are reportedly plotting an ambitious double swoop for two of Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have frequently found themselves utilised as squad players at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Reports suggest the Gunners would not obstruct a potential departure if either player expressed a desire to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
The South American pair possess long-term contracts running until 2027 in north London.
However, the 23-year-old winger retains a 12-month extension option that could theoretically secure his services until 2028.
Liverpool join race for highly-rated French defender
Meanwhile, Liverpool are closely monitoring Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix ahead of a potential summer approach.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a key figure at Selhurst Park and recently earned his first senior cap for the French national team.
His impressive domestic performances have consequently attracted attention from heavyweights including Chelsea, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
Palace executives are reportedly experiencing growing concern regarding a defensive exodus following Marc Guehi’s lucrative January switch to Manchester City.
Barcelona seek Cancelo return as McTominay rejects Saudi riches
In Catalonia, Barcelona are exploring avenues to retain full-back Joao Cancelo beyond the conclusion of his current loan agreement.
The Portuguese defender returned to the Blaugrana in January for a second stint from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal.
Financial constraints mean paying a permanent transfer fee is viewed as highly complicated for the Spanish giants.
Elsewhere, Scotland international Scott McTominay has reportedly rejected a lucrative financial package from the Saudi Pro League.
The former Manchester United midfielder is currently locked in negotiations with Napoli over a contract extension spanning until 2030.
Liverpool have agreed summer deals to sign centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien ahead of the new Premier League season.
The double acquisition represents the first major defensive reinforcement for manager Arne Slot.
Chief executive Michael Edwards sanctioned both moves as the Merseyside club look to build on last year’s extensive squad overhaul.
The Anfield side invested heavily in their midfield last summer but have now shifted their focus towards long-term defensive stability.
£60m deal for French prospect
The most high-profile arrival is a £60m agreement for the 20-year-old Rennes standout.
Terms were originally finalised during the January transfer window before the French youth international was loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit.
However, the promising defender suffered a significant shoulder injury against Lens in February.
He underwent successful surgery earlier this month and faces an estimated rehabilitation period of up to 12 weeks.
His reduced playing time over the coming months diminishes the risk of further aggravation before he arrives in England.
Investing in Austrian youth
Joining the Frenchman on Merseyside this summer will be an imposing 18-year-old talent.
Standing at 6ft 6in, the teenage prospect has been a regular fixture for Austria Wien’s reserve side in the country’s second tier.
The towering centre-half recently graduated to the Austrian under-18 national setup.
Despite making 10 appearances for his club’s developmental squad this term, he is yet to make his senior competitive debut.
Mohamed Salah could reject lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of a move to Italy when he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season, according to former defender Jamie Carragher.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international sent shockwaves through Merseyside last week by confirming his imminent departure from Anfield.
His exit will draw the curtain on a glittering nine-year spell that saw him become the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer.
Resisting the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Arabian clubs have made the prolific forward their primary transfer target for several successive windows.
With his impending status as a free agent, a long-anticipated switch to the Gulf state appeared to be a formality for the global icon.
However, Anfield legend Carragher believes the player’s elite mentality will keep him in European football.
Champions League ambitions
“I think Mo Salah, the way he’s driven like a Ronaldo, I don’t see the Saudi thing just yet,” Carragher said on The Overlap podcast.
“I can see him in Italy with one of the giants.”
“I just think your career’s over when you go there [Saudi Arabia].”
“I think he’ll still be looking at his Champions League record or how many goals he can get.”
“I still think he thinks, ‘I’m still one of the best players, and me leaving now is not the end of my top-level career, I’ve still got something to give’.”
Search for a successor
Attention on Merseyside has already shifted towards finding a suitable replacement for their departing talisman.
Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise has emerged as a tantalising option following a sensational campaign in Germany.
The former Crystal Palace star has cemented his status as one of Europe’s premier attacking talents by racking up 16 goals and 27 assists.
Bavarian obstacle
Any hopes of prising the French youth international away from the Bundesliga appear highly unlikely at this stage.
The German giants view the dynamic winger as central to their long-term project and have no intention of sanctioning a sale.
Furthermore, lingering frustration remains behind the scenes in Munich after the English side recently hijacked a previous transfer bid.
Cardiff City and FC Nantes are set to conclude a long-running legal dispute in a French court on Monday over a £104m compensation claim following the tragic death of Argentine striker Emiliano Sala in 2019.
A commercial court judge will decide whether the Welsh club should be financially compensated by the Ligue 1 outfit for the loss of the 28-year-old.
The Argentine forward and pilot David Ibbotson tragically died when their Piper Malibu aircraft crashed into the English Channel on 21 January 2019.
High-stakes compensation battle
The former Premier League side are demanding more than €120m (£104m) for loss of income and associated damages.
Their legal team argues that the prolific attacker’s arrival would have successfully kept the Bluebirds in England’s top flight.
Instead, the club suffered relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2018-19 campaign and eventually plummeted into League One in April 2025.
Representatives for the French club have strongly denied these claims and officially disputed the existence of any wrongdoing.
The ‘wild west’ of player welfare
The upcoming hearing follows a December 2025 session where the Welsh side argued that Willie McKay, the man who booked the fatal flight, was acting on behalf of the selling club.
Beyond the courtroom, the tragedy heavily scrutinised the opaque nature of global player movement and the usage of illegal charter flights.
Audio messages released after the crash revealed the newly signed striker’s profound unease and confusion regarding the rapid pace of the £15m move.
Despite widespread industry promises following the disaster, experts believe the systemic issues surrounding duty of care remain unresolved.
Calls for mandatory standards
Lorna McLelland, a former player liaison officer at Aston Villa, insists that the current landscape remains largely unregulated.
“In terms of movement of players, central to that is money…it’s always the case and it’s still a little bit of a wild west.”
“I’m really quite shocked that not much has been put in place for this but, as we know, football is a complicated world and there needs to be a lot more change than there has been to date.”
While most professional teams operate internal welfare systems, there are currently no universally mandated standards governing these roles.
This lack of regulation frequently leads to a problematic overlap with the specific duties of agents and intermediaries.
Jonathan Booker, a sports mediation expert, noted that an initial flurry of proactive industry activity following the tragedy ultimately faded away.
“I’d like to see set standards, if not accreditation, for player care and welfare.”