Liverpool propose Dumfries swap deal as Iraola closes in on Anfield role

Liverpool have proposed bringing Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries to Anfield as part of negotiations over Curtis Jones, according to a report in Gazzetta dello Sport, cited by Sportwitness. The suggestion came after the two clubs failed to agree on a fee for the 25-year-old midfielder, with Liverpool valuing Jones at €30m (£25.9m) — around €10m more than Inter are currently willing to pay.

Jones, who has developed into a first-team regular after coming through Liverpool’s academy, is entering the final 12 months of his contract, making him an attractive target for Inter ahead of the summer window. It was reported last week that a significant valuation gap had stalled talks, with Inter expected to revisit negotiations in July after attempting to raise additional funds.

Dumfries, 30, has previously been linked with Liverpool and holds a reported €25m release clause in his Inter contract. Whether either club intends to push the proposed swap arrangement forward remains unclear, but the Dutch wing-back’s name being raised suggests Liverpool’s interest has survived the managerial transition at the club.

Arne Slot left his position as Liverpool head coach on Saturday, and the club are moving quickly to identify a successor before the Club World Cup begins on 11 June. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate, having paused separate conversations with Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen. Iraola is expected to hold talks with Liverpool this week.

The Spaniard departs Bournemouth after guiding the club to sixth place in the Premier League this season — their highest-ever top-flight finish — and a first European qualification in the club’s history. His work on the south coast has drawn widespread recognition and made him one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.

Should Liverpool finalise a deal for Dumfries in the coming weeks, he would become the first signing of the Iraola era. If the club’s search for a head coach extends beyond Iraola, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage have also been identified as potential candidates.