Report: Aston Villa join Liverpool in the race to sign 'relentless' £22m defender

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Liverpool have been eyeing up a move for Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan for some time now. The versatile right-back has been described as a ‘relentless’ performer for Inter, so it was perhaps not surprising to see Liverpool eyeing a move in the winter window when the likes of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong were suffering from injury problems.A move never came to pass, but the Reds’ interest has remained, and there could be a lot of competition for Virgil van Dijk’s national teammate this summer, with Aston Villa the latest club to join the race.

Which one should be Liverpool’s manager next season❓ Credit: Justin Setterfield/Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City linked to Denzel DumfriesA recent report from L’Interista said Dumfries’ release clause will be around £22m in the summer.They also mentioned at the time that Liverpool, Man City and the Red Devils were looking at the player.Now, the Italian outlet have provided a fresh update this week that adds Unai Emery’s Aston Villa into the mix.They stated: “Denzel Dumfries’ future at Inter remains up in the air: the € 25 million release clause in the Dutchman’s contract, which continues to be popular in the Premier League, will be active again in July. From Liverpool to the two Manchester clubs, City and United, to Aston Villa, several English clubs are eyeing the opportunity.”Given that Bradley is out long-term, Frimpong is injured again, and Joe Gomez’s future is in doubt, signing Dumfries in the summer would make a lot of sense.Liverpool formation change seems obviousThe Dutchman’s potential arrival could, however, further signal that Liverpool are planning to change formations.He is a natural right-back, but he operates as a wing-back and as a centre-back in a back-three as well.Liverpool have already agreed a deal for Jeremy Jacquet, who largely plays in a three-back formation, while the aforementioned Frimpong is best used in an advanced role.Xabi Alonso likes to use three centre-backs as well, so his possible return to Anfield in the summer to replace Arne Slot would make a lot of sense with the players the Reds have and could potentially sign.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox