Liverpool had been linked with Dutch star Denzel Dumfries, but Real Madrid have made him a top target as they go after the Inter Milan full-back
Denzel Dumfries is on Real Madrid’s radar this summer
Real Madrid are closing in on a deal for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries – who had previously been on Liverpool’s radar prior to their decision to axe Arne Slot.
The Dutchman was sacked on Saturday but had been linked with a move which would have potentially seen his compatriot swap Milan for Merseyside. Slot’s exit is likely to alter their style of play and could, as a result, lead to a change in potential transfer targets, although Liverpool are understood to still hold an interest in Dumfries.
Real have made the 30-year-old their top target at right-back, where they want to bolster their options. Talks have been held between the Spanish giants and the player, who has a £21.6million release clause, reports Sky Sports in Germany.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue as Real waste no time in improving their squad following a second successive season without a trophy, which has led to a managerial change with Jose Mourinho returning to the Bernabeu for a second spell.
It’s been claimed elsewhere that Los Blancos are planning to finalise the deal for Dumfries once the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election is confirmed, provided that Florentino Perez is declared the winner as is expected.
When Real bought the Special One back to the Spanish capital their talks involved plans to strengthen various positions this summer, with a particular focus on defence. Mourinho asked for a back-up right-back, a left-back to compete with 23-year-old Alvaro Carreras, a centre-half and a creative midfielder.
Madrid had previously considered a move for Konate and have firmly reignited their interest as they look to sign a centre-back. His contract at Liverpool has just expired, making him available on a free, which is timely given David Alaba is leaving on a free transfer this summer and Eder Militao has had his fitness issues.
Ibrahima Konate could also move to Real Madrid after his Liverpool contract expired(Image: Getty Images)
Last summer Liverpool targeted full-backs on both sides of the defence. They lost Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real when his contract expired. He was replaced by another Dutchman in Jeremie Frimpong, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen.
On the other flank Milos Kerkez made the move from Bournemouth following a stellar season on the south coast. He endured his difficulties but is poised to remain as first choice with stalwart Andy Robertson leaving for Tottenham having seen his contract expire.
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