Liverpool's and Real Madrid's fates appeared to be intertwined this summer, with direct movement between the clubs expected to take place in the shape of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now the stage is set for both European giants to do battle over a number of top transfer targets.
Alexander-Arnold already has one foot in Madrid, it would seem, and the same goes for former Reds midfield hero Xabi Alonso. Now Bayer Leverkusen coach, he is tipped to take over at Real now that Carlo Ancelotti will become the new Brazil national team head coach.
And below we have the latest transfer headlines circling Anfield and Madrid looking ahead to the summer window.
Alonso 'shopping list'
According to Marca, Real already have targets established to breathe fresh life into the team Alonso is expected to inherit. Unsurprisingly, with the number of injuries they have, the big focus is on defenders.
And it could spell further bad news for Liverpool, as after Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate is once again mentioned as being on their radar for when his Anfield contract expires. At present that is set for 2026, unless an extension can be worked out.
But the Frenchman is not top of their list of central defenders, that honour instead falling to Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old from Bournemouth is reportedly on the radar of Europe's top clubs, including the Reds, with a £50m release clause meaning he can move this summer.
And the same could be said for Milos Kerkez, also linked with Liverpool, as his name is included amongst those 'mentioned' in the same light as the Spanish giants.
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Rodrygo plan
In the same report a hint is given towards winger Rodrygo's future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This season he has been pushed down the pecking order by Kylian Mbappe's arrival and not been able to make the desired impact, most often from the bench.
Now it is said clarity must arrive in 'the coming days'. He must either decide to stay to try and convince Alonso he is worthy of his place or choose now to leave, and 'a solution will be found immediately'.
Liverpool, of course, have tied Mohamed Salah down for another two seasons in the same position and also have Federico Chiesa as a back-up, but that hasn't speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Anfield.
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