Real Madrid has set its sights on a £50 million transfer for Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool. Recent reports from i paper highlight that Real Madrid is assessing whether Dalot fits into the framework suggested by their coach, Ruben Amorim.
Dalot’s role at Manchester United is significant according to internal sources, which insist that he is not seeking a transfer elsewhere. However, the urgency from the Madrid camp is palpable, particularly with their first-choice full-back, Dani Carvajal, sidelined due to a severe knee injury. The veteran player, aged 32, is expected to miss the majority of the current season. Consequently, Real Madrid has been forced to deploy various players in the right-back position, albeit with inconsistent results.
Moreover, the Spanish club has long admired Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, and has been patient regarding his contract situation with Liverpool. With the failure to secure a contract extension, Madrid is keen on accelerating their interest in Dalot rather than potentially waiting for Alexander-Arnold’s contract to expire next summer.
The context is further illuminated with specific directives regarding the potential arrival of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Salah is open to signing a one-year extension with the Merseyside club. Nevertheless, he has expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations. As it stands, he is rapidly approaching a critical timeline that would allow him to entertain offers from clubs outside England.
Salah, who has been linked with potential moves to the Saudi Pro League and PSG, conveyed in a recent interview that he feels “more out than in” concerning his future with Liverpool. Initial discussions between the club and Salah’s representative, Ramy Abbas, have been described as positive, but there seems to be a disconnect concerning the terms proposed by the club.
Despite this discontent, Salah’s primary goal appears to be extending his tenure at Anfield. He has emphasized his affection for the club even while recognizing his standing as one of the top players globally, which he believes should be reflected in his contract. This season, he has showcased his worth by scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists over 20 matches, with his latest performance involving an assist for Cody Gakpo and converting a penalty against Manchester City.
Shifting focus to West Ham United, they are contemplating their managerial options following a heavy 5-2 defeat to Arsenal. Reports from The Guardian indicate that Julen Lopetegui’s position is increasingly precarious. The recent loss comes on the heels of a victory against Newcastle, momentarily alleviating pressure from his role, but the defeat against Arsenal has raised fresh concerns about his future.
A potential candidate for succession is Sergio Conceicao, the former Porto manager, who won three league titles and brought his team to the Champions League quarter-finals during his tenure. Although no formal contact has yet been established, interest exists within the West Ham hierarchy about possibly recruiting Conceicao. Other names in the mix include Max Allegri, who has been spotted in London of late, and Graham Potter, whose managerial credentials are also under consideration. Another figure mentioned is Christophe Galtier, who has successfully taken over coaching at Al-Duhail in Qatar.
Lastly, Wayne Rooney is facing immense pressure in his role at Plymouth Argyle. The Telegraph highlights that the situation is critical as his side prepares to face Oxford and Swansea, with fans eyeing these matches to determine his future. Plymouth currently hovers just above the relegation zone and has recently suffered consecutive heavy defeats, conceding ten goals in just two games. Even though there are no immediate plans for a managerial change, these upcoming fixtures are deemed essential for Rooney, as they may ultimately define the trajectory of his coaching career at the club.
