First transfer of Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool could come after swap talks
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAndoni IraolaLiverpool have been in talks with Inter Milan regarding a potential swap deal involving Curtis Jones and Denzel Dumfries in the summer transfer window, though the two clubs are yet to reach an agreementAndoni Iraola could have Denzel Dumfries in a Liverpool squad next season(Image: Maynard Manyowa/Getty Images)Liverpool is said to have floated the idea of signing Denzel Dumfries during discussions that would have seen Curtis Jones move in the opposite direction to Inter Milan, according to reports from Italy.Inter have been pursuing Jones ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Liverpool midfielder now in the final 12 months of his contract. However, the Italian side is finding it difficult to match Liverpool's asking price for the midfielder, who has established himself as a first-team regular after coming through the Anfield academy.Last week, it was reported that there was a 'gulf' between the two clubs in negotiations, with Inter hoping to secure additional funds before potentially attempting to strike a deal again in July.Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sportwitness, claims that Liverpool then suggested including Dumfries in the discussions for Jones, given the disparity in the two clubs' valuations.It's understood Liverpool values the 25-year-old midfielder at €30 million ($35 million) - approximately €10M ($11.65M) more than Inter can stretch to.Dumfries has been linked with Liverpool in the past and it appears their interest in the Dutch wing-back has not diminished even following Arne Slot's departure on Saturday.Denzel Dumfries has been linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)It's claimed the 30-year-old has a €25M ($29.1M) release clause in his contract, though it remains unclear whether either club intends to continue with talks for the players concerned.
Should Liverpool push forward with a move to bring Dumfries to Anfield in the coming weeks, he could potentially become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era.The departing Bournemouth manager has swiftly established himself as the overwhelming favorite to replace Slot, having put talks with Crystal Palace on hold. He is expected to enter into discussions with Liverpool this week, with the Reds eager to finalize an appointment before the World Cup gets underway on June 11.(Image: Getty Images)Iraola has earned widespread acclaim for the outstanding work he produced on the south coast, departing Bournemouth having secured European football through a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League — the highest in the club's history.Should Liverpool cast its net wider in their pursuit of a new head coach, Sebastian Hoeness represents another viable candidate to fill Slot's shoes, having impressed at Stuttgart, as does Lens manager Pierre Sage.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Andoni IraolaLiverpool FCTransfers