Liverpool face £60m transfer dilemma as Chelsea set to seal major coup signing

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The latest transfer talk from around the Premier League after a dramatic final day of the season.

Reports in Argentina have suggested Alexis Mac Allister could cause a major headache for incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Anfield paid a glowing tribute to Jurgen Klopp as he brought down the curtain on a successful reign on the red half of Merseyside on Sunday and all thoughts have now turned towards Slot’s arrival. The Dutch boss has enjoyed a highly impressive reign with Feyenoord after leading the Dutch giants to the Eredivise title and KNVB Cup over the last two seasons.

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Slot will want to put his own stamp on the squad he will inherit from Klopp and there are several players said to be under consideration for a move to Anfield. However, it is the future of one current Reds star that has hit the headlines in South America after it was claimed Mac Allister has a £60m release clause in his current contract.

The same report suggests La Liga champions Real Madrid are ready to make a move for the Argentina international next summer, meaning Slot may well to convince the former Brighton man he can lead the Reds to further success during his time in charge.

The 3AM Verdict: Although there is no confirmation over the reported release clause in Mac Allister’s contract, the reports of interest from Real Madrid will be of concern to the Reds. As many have suggested, the Argentina international has been Liverpool’s best signing of the season and it would be no shock to see him form a leading part in Slot’s plans.

Chelsea plan set for Brazil prospect

Chelsea have already set out their plans for their latest addition from South America.

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The Blues have kept a close eye on the brightest prospects from Brazil and Argentina in recent years and have recently agreed to pay an initial fee of £34m for Palmeiras youngster Willian Estavao, with a further £21.5m set to follow in performance related add-on fees.

Mauricio Pochettino will be eyeing a host of new signings ahead of the summerMauricio Pochettino will be eyeing a host of new signings ahead of the summer
Mauricio Pochettino will be eyeing a host of new signings ahead of the summer | Getty Images

Although there has been some speculation suggesting the 17-year-old could follow the example of Andrey Santos by joining Chelsea before heading out on loan, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues have a different plan for the youngster. He has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to state the youngster will be ‘considered immediately for the first team’ and will not be considered for a loan departure.

The 3AM Verdict: The South American market was always identified by Premier League clubs as a source of interest in the wake of Brexit-inflicted regulations on potential signings from within the EU. It is no surprise to see Chelsea exploring a market and it would be even less of a surprise if their latest addition is given a prominent role given the talent he quite clearly possesses.

De Zerbi in talks over shock move after Brighton exit

Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly in talks over a surprise move to one of European football’s biggest clubs after he left Brighton and Hove Albion.

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Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, applauds the fans during the warm up prior to the Premier League against Manchester United at American Express Community StadiumRoberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, applauds the fans during the warm up prior to the Premier League against Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium
Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, applauds the fans during the warm up prior to the Premier League against Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium

The Seagulls confirmed the former Sassuolo manager was to step down from his role at the Amex Stadium in the aftermath of Sunday’s home game with Manchester United, one of a number of clubs mentioned as possible suitors for the Italian. However, The Times have now reported De Zerbi has held talks with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich with a view to taking charge next season.

Bayern have endured a frustrating time in their search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel after he confirmed he would step down at the end of the season after speculation suggesting the former Chelsea manager could stay on for another year.

The 3AM Verdict: There is no doubt De Zerbi has done a fantastic job taking Brighton into Europe and give the Seagulls supporters some lifelong memories over the last two years. However, taking on the Bayern Munich rebuild would be a sizeable challenge, especially after they were comfortably beaten to the Bundesliga title by all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen.

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