Latest transfer updates - liverpool win wirtz race and barcelona want rashford

Liverpool have turned heads by moving for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. The attacking midfielder had been linked with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but City pulled out of the

running and Bayern now believe he's heading to Merseyside - although a Premier League-record fee is still yet to be agreed. Manchester United are close to landing Wolves forward Matheus

Cunha by paying his £62.5m release clause, while Ipswich forward Liam Delap is now free to speak to other clubs ahead of a £30m move. Arsenal are also chasing a centre-forward with Viktor

Gyokeres their number one target. His future at Sporting Lisbon remains the subject of intense speculation and is available for £60m. The Gunners aren't just looking to upgrade the

striker position, though, as Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is also on Mikel Arteta's wish-list. With the end of the Premier League season coming on Sunday, clubs are increasingly looking

towards the summer transfer window, so there should be plenty more developments. SCROLL DOWN AS MIRROR FOOTBALL BRINGS YOU THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS THROUGHOUT SATURDAY... 22:48Nathan Ridley

GOODNIGHT Thanks for joining us on Saturday's live transfer blog. We'll be back tomorrow, during the final day of the Premier League season, with more news and gossip. Take care.

22:08Nathan Ridley FIFA PRESIDENT CONFIRMS RONALDO NEW CLUB TALKS Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has confirmed that clubs who are set to compete at the Club World Cup have held

talks over signing Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, 40, is coming to the end of his contract with Al-Nassr, having endured a trophy-less season. Speaking to streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said:

"Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions… "Yeah. Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are

discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows." 21:29Nathan Ridley TEN HAG REACHES AGREEMENT

WITH LEVERKUSEN Erik ten Hag has agreed a deal in principle to become the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen, the Athletic report. The Dutchman has been chosen to succeed the outgoing Xabi

Alonso, who's still unconfirmed to be joining Real Madrid. Ten Hag hasn't coached since being sacked by Manchester United in October. 20:59Nathan Ridley ATLETICO MADRID INTERESTED

IN MAN UTD'S ANTONY Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Manchester United winger Antony. The Independent report that Antony, 25, has sparked a bidding war after turning his

career around on loan at Real Betis. Atletico are interested in the Brazilian, who's managed eight goals and five assists in 24 games since leaving United in January. Betis play Chelsea

in the Conference League final next Wednesday and Antony could become a legend if he helps the Spanish club win only their sixth ever trophy. 20:20Nathan Ridley AMORIM RESPONDS TO FERNANDES

EXIT LINKS Ruben Amorim believes that Bruno Fernandes will want to stay at Manchester United if the club make changes. Fernandes, 30, admitted after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to

Tottenham that he'd be willing to leave if United chiefs wanted to 'cash in'. "It's important for Bruno to see that we are changing a lot of things in our

club," Amorim told TNT Sports. "The behaviour, the everyday organisation, the pace of training. "All these things, if he sees that we are doing that across all levels, he will

want to stay. He loves this club." 19:59Nathan Ridley SUNDERLAND IMMEDIATELY SPLASH THE CASH Sunderland will reportedly make Enzo Le Fee's loan move from Roma permanent after

being promoted to the Premier League. The Black Cats sealed a returned to the top flight for the first time since 2017 after beating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final

thanks to a stoppage-time winner. It's claimed in Italy that their promotion will trigger Le Fee's £19m transfer. The French playmaker, 25, has scored one goal and provided one

assist since joining Sunderland in January. 19:28Felix Keith ICYMI: BAYERN CHIEFS ADMITS LIVERPOOL SET TO SIGN WIRTZ Bayern Munich have conceded defeat in the race for Bayer Leverkusen star

Florian Wirtz, who is heading to Liverpool. Speaking earlier today, Bayern president Herbert Hainer appeared to confirm the news that Wirtz has chosen Liverpool, saying: "Max Eberl

informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool." Bild reports that Wirtz's father Hans-Joachim Wirtz told Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Eberl in a phone

call earlier this week that the 22-year-old prefers to join them Reds. 18:59Nathan Ridley BURN SIGNS NEWCASTLE CONTRACT EXTENSION Newcastle have confirmed that defender Dan Burn has signed a

new contract, keeping him St James' Park until 2027. A statement on the England international, 33, read: "Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has extended his contract by an

additional year, keeping him at St. James' Park until summer 2027." 18:27KEY EVENT FLICK PRAISES RASHFORD AMID BARCELONA LINKS Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has labelled Marcus

Rashford a 'fantastic player' amid links of a move to Catalunya. Rashford, 27, has been put up for sale by Manchester United, with Aston Villa unlikely to make his loan permanent.

The England international is reportedly dreaming of a move to Barca, who've also shortlisted Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. Flick told reporters ahead of tomorrow's trip to Athletic

Bilbao: "Normally I don't want to speak about players that are not in my team, but of course both of them are fantastic players," Flick told a news conference Saturday, a day

before Barca's final La Liga match at Athletic Bilbao. "I like them and we will see what happens - but of course they are fantastic players." 17:47Tom Victor ISAK BLOW

Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is on Arsenal's shortlist of striker targets but this one will be hard to pull off given that the Gunners are a direct Premier League rival. The Sweden

star has been a long admired at Arsenal but Newcastle have been adamant that they don't want to sell the 25-year-old any time soon. And after Isak helped them not only win the Carabao

Cup, but take them to brink of Champions League qualification, it seems unlikely he would want to leave St James' Park. Depending on whether Newcastle miss out on a top five spot in the

Premier League, things could still change in the bid for his signature, but for now it seems Newcastle are digging their heels in. According to the Daily Mail, the club's promotional

imagery for next season's kit was a huge indication of their desire to keep Isak, who featured prominently. 17:00Tom Sunderland HOW LIVERPOOL LURED WIRTZ After engaging in talks with

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool are on course to win the race for the player's signature. The Reds are now the clear favourites to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star, provided they can negotiate a

deal with his club, who are demanding up to £126million. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were keen on signing the German from their rivals, but Wirtz is no longer interested in joining

Vincent Kompany's team. Manchester City were also in the running but supposedly withdrew after reportedly baulking at the financial demands of a potential deal. It's fortunate then

that Wirtz is now ready to be a part of Arne Slot's project after meeting with Liverpool. The Times reported on the outcome of those discussions, which are believed to have convinced

the young talent that his development would be best served at Anfield, where Slot can continue helping to improve his game. 16:33Matthew Cooper LINDELOF SET FOR EXIT According to Fabrizio

Romano, Victor Lindelof is set to leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer and the defender already has offers on the table from clubs in Spain and Italy. 15:59Scott

Trotter DIAZ TRANSFER STANCE Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted his side are interested in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. The Colombia international has been strongly linked with a

move to La Liga and has yet to agree new terms over his future with his current deal set to expire in June 2027. Diaz’s father has previously said it would be a “dream” for his son to join

the Catalan giants, but the Reds' ace has reaffirmed his happiness at Anfield after winning the Premier League. "We like Luis, we like Rashford, and we like other players,"

Deco told Catalan radio station RAC 1. "Out of respect, talking about players who are under contract with other clubs is complicated. When we go to the market, there are names we know

that could improve the team." Slot has since offered a response the comments. "Did Deco say this about Diaz in the microphone or is that from hearsay?" Slot asked. "Yes,

every club has his own way of doing things. I don’t talk about players from other clubs. "I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz. I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a

great player and had a great season. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha." 15:14Ryan Taylor BAYERN WANT EZE Bayern Munich are weighing up a swoop for Crystal Palace's FA Cup hero

Eberechi Eze after being snubbed by Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz. The German giants have admit defeat in their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star. Bayern, who were willing to break the

bank to land the German attacker from their Bundesliga rivals, are now pushing ahead with alternative transfer plans after being informed that Wirtz wants to move to Anfield. Brighton's

Kaoru Mitoma and AC Milan's Rafael Leao are both on their radar but a move for Eze has also been discussed. 14:39Scott Trotter LIVERPOOL YOUNGSTER DROPS EXIT HINT Liverpool midfielder

Luca Stephenson has dropped a hint over his future after spending the season on loan with Dundee United. The 21-year-old enjoyed a positive stint in the Scottish Premiership as they

qualified for Europe. Stephenson was one of the Reds young talents who travelled on pre-season tour with Arne Slot's first team last summer and made four appearances in the United

States. But it was decided the move to Scotland was best for his development. Quizzed over a possible return to Dundee United Stephenson said: "Maybe, maybe." "I can't

say too much on it yet," he added. "I don't know everything that's going on. There's going to be a lot of movement, a lot of talk over the summer, but we'll see

what happens." 14:01Matthew Cooper WIRTZ'S DECISION A "COMPLETE SURPRISE" Florian Wirtz is on the verge of joining Liverpool after his father informed Bayern Munich that

the Bayer Leverkusen star wants to move to Anfield. Wirtz's father and agent, Hans-Joachim, informed Bayern on Friday that his son wants to leave the Bundesliga. Instead, the

22-year-old's sights are set firmly on a move to Liverpool, who are now in talks with Leverkusen as they look to complete a club record deal. Manchester Citypulled out of the race to

sign Wirtz earlier this month due to concerns over the finances of the deal, leaving Liverpool and Bayern in what had appeared to be a two-horse race. Bayern were originally viewed as the

frontrunners and were confident of getting a deal fixed to take him to Bavaria - but club president Herbert Hainer admitted defeat on Saturday. He said: “Max Eberl [sporting director]

informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.” ‌Wirtz's decision is "a complete surprise" to Bayern chiefs, according to German daily BILD. But

it's understood that Bayern have made a mess of their pursuit, allowing Liverpool to swoop, with the player’s camp growing frustrated by their pursuit in recent months, feeling it has

been disrespectful to Leverkusen - where the Wirtz family, unsurprisingly, have a great relationship. 13:32Daniel Orme MAN UTD SET PRICE TAGS Manchester United would be willing to lose over

£100m on their flops with a major fire sale planned this summer. The Red Devils are in desperate need of funds after failing to win the Europa League, and with it seal a return to the

Champions League. In the aftermath of their defeat to Spurs in Bilbao, every member of United’s squad was put up for sale, with a major rebuild under Ruben Amorim anticipated this summer.

And it appears that club chiefs have already set prices for those they are willing to bid farewell to. According to the Mail, the club are hoping to receive around £60-70m for Argentine

forward Alejandro Garnacho. He looks unlikely to have a future at the club after his furious outburst following the Europa League final. ‌Marcus Rashford is also expected to leave

permanently after his loan spell at Aston Villa. United have put a £40m price tag on the forward. And while the pair would represent pure profit from a PSR standpoint, the same cannot be

said of Rasmus Hojlund and Antony. The pair have failed to hit expectations at Old Trafford following big-money switches and it now appears they could be sold for far less than signed for.

12:58Felix Keith SANCHO ISSUE EMERGES Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly considering an offer to sign Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window. Sancho is facing yet

another uncertain summer after spending the season on loan with Chelsea, but could be offered a new escape route back to Germany. Leverkusen reportedly believe that they can provide Sancho

with the perfect environment to rediscover his best, having seen just how good he can be during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Were he to move to Leverkusen, he would be reunited with Erik

ten Hag, who is in pole position to replace Alonso. After interest in Como’s Cesc Fabregas, Leverkusen are ready to appoint Ten Hag on a two-year contract. The Dutchman is looking to revive

his career after being sacked by United in October – and he might not be keen on the signing of Sancho. Ten Hag famously fell out with Sancho after publicly calling out his level in training

– an accusation which led to a spat with the winger. It was Ten Hag who forced Sancho to re-join Dortmund on loan in January 2024 and there was a frosty reintroduction in United’s

pre-season last summer. 12:21Felix Keith STILL TO BECOME SAINTS BOSS Will Still will sign a three-year contract to become the next Southampton manager, according to The Telegraph. Still was

considered the front-runner for the role, ahead of Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Rohl, but there were some complications, with his exit from Lens still needing to be rubber-stamped. Those

negotiations have now been completed and the Belgium-born Englishman will officially be unveiled soon and will lead the Saints as they drop into the Championship. 12:11KEY EVENT BAYERN

CONFIRM WIRTZ TO LIVERPOOL Bayern Munich have conceded defeat in the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who is heading to Liverpool. Speaking earlier today, Bayern president

Herbert Hainer appeared to confirm the news that Wirtz has chosen Liverpool, saying: "Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool." Bild reports

that Wirtz's father Hans-Joachim Wirtz told Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Eberl in a phone call earlier this week that the 22-year-old prefers to join the Reds. 11:35Felix Keith

ATLETICO PONDER ANTONY BID Antony's performances while on loan at Real Betis have attracted attention from Atletico Madrid, The Independent report. Antony left Manchester United as an

outcast in January, but is now hot property, with eight goals and five assists in 24 matches for Betis, who face Chelsea in the Conference League final on Wednesday. Manchester United are

desperate to sell the winger, who cost £82million from Ajax, and will welcome the interest. 11:13KEY EVENT SAVAGE ATTRACTING INTEREST Robbie Savage has become a sought-after manager after

Macclesfield’s record-breaking season. Macclesfield boss Savage has already turned down an offer from a League One club after winning promotion at the first attempt. Ex-Leicester midfielder

Savage has also had strong interest from other established EFL clubs after guiding Macclesfield to promotion and the Northern Premier League Premier Division title by a staggering 26 points.

Macclesfield owner Robert Smethurst has already warned “they will be lucky” to keep Savage for another year after his hugely impressive first season in charge. Smethurst has admitted:

“He's already getting clubs coming for him now, higher up in the league. It'll only be a matter of time before he proves himself and will no longer be here at Macclesfield.

I'm aware of that.” Former Wales international Savage is also a well-respected TNT Sports pundit and his insights into the game have added to his growing reputation. 10:50Felix Keith

WALKER-PETERS OPEN TO OFFERS Kyle Walker-Peters will leave Southampton on a free transfer next month, but his future is yet to be decided. The full-back has been at Saints since 2020 but

won't sign a new deal to play in the Championship next season. He is one of few players to emerge from the wreckage of their dreadful season with some credit in the bank and will look

to convert that into a move. The 28-year-old has previously been linked with West Ham, while Wolves could also be in the market for a right-back, with rumours swirling about the future of

captain Nelson Semedo. One to watch. 10:17Felix Keith ISAK UNLIKELY TO MOVE Teddy Sheringham says he can't see Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle this summer, despite interest from

Arsenal and elsewhere. "I think, you know, he's absolutely lauded as a centre forward in Newcastle, so why would he want to go," Sheringham told Prime Casino. "He might

not want to change. It doesn't get much better than fans loving you, and your team playing to the best aspects of your game, and you are the focal point. You're earning good money

and you're in the team. "You're playing at the top level and players understand you and your manager loves you. So, you know, you, I'd be very surprised if he would want

to go anywhere else at the moment." 09:51Felix Keith DONE DEAL: BURN SIGNS NEW NEWCASTLE CONTRACT Dan Burn has penned a one-year contract extension with Newcastle. The towering defender

is now under contract until June 2027, having been rewarded for a strong season in which he's featured 45 times for Eddie Howe's side. The 33-year-old made the England squad for

the first time in March and scored in Newcastle's Carabao Cup final win in February. "I'm delighted to sign a new deal here. I knew that I was going into my last year and I

really wanted to get my future tied down. I've said before that I would love to finish my career here so to be given that opportunity, I'm very grateful," he said. "I

still feel like I'm getting better and I don't feel that I've hit the top of the hill yet." 09:32KEY EVENT NAPOLI TARGET DE BRUYNE Napoli want to celebrate winning the

Serie A title by signing Kevin De Bruyne this week, writes Neil McLeman. Antonio Conte’s new champions have made an offer of a two-year contract to the Belgian who will leave Manchester City

after 10 seasons. He is also wanted by MLS side Chicago Fire who have offered more money but no Champions League football. De Bruyne is out of contract and available for a free transfer on

June 30. Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna flew to Manchester last month to persuade De Bruyne to continue his career in Italy. Fri And Gazzetta dello Sport reports today that his

wife Michele Lacroix has already visited the city to look at apartments. The De Bruynes were married near Sorrento in 2027. The Belgian, 34, would join his compatriot Romelu Lukaku in the

southern Italian city along with Scots Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. Napoli won their fourth scudetto - and second in three years - by beating Cagliari on Friday night. 09:06KEY EVENT

LEVERKUSEN KEEN ON SANCHO Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Jadon Sancho this summer, according to The Independent. Manchester United are desperate to find a buyer for Sancho, who

has spent the season on loan with Chelsea. The Blues are yet to decide whether they want to make the move permanent after he returned just three goals and five assists in 30 Premier League

games. But Leverkusen are keen due to his previous impact in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund and could bid, especially if they sell Florian Wirtz for big money. 08:38Felix Keith

SLOT'S TRANSFER ADMISSION Arne Slot has admitted that he's "not sure it's possible" for Liverpool to land the players they want this summer as they enter talks to

sign Florian Wirtz. “City will probably strengthen the squad again. If the rumours are correct, Arsenal is planning the same, so it would be stupid if we are not looking at trying to

strengthen the squad as well,” he told BBC Sport. “Again, I've said it many times, it's not that easy because this team has already won the league. So to find players that can

strengthen us – that might not be that difficult – because there are certain players in the world where I think, 'if they would come, it would be nice'. “But they're also

playing at clubs where they don't want to leave. So there are not many that can strengthen us, but the few that are out there, we will try to get them. At this moment of time we're

not sure if that's possible.” 08:09Felix Keith EVERTON EYE LIVERPOOL STAR Everton are interested in signing Liverpool youngster Ben Doak, according to The Guardian. Doak was on loan at

Middlesbrough this season and could become the first player to swap Liverpool for Everton since Gary Ablett in 1992. However, the Reds value the young winger at £30million and that could

scupper things. 07:29Felix Keith ANALYSIS: POTENTIAL WIRTZ STUMBLING BLOCK Florian Wirtz is understood to be keen to join Liverpool. He's visited the north west of England to scout out

places to live and has publicly admitted he wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen to experience new things. However, there are no guarantees Liverpool can pull off this deal. Firstly, it will take

a Premier League record transfer fee, with £120million being suggested as an asking price. Secondly, the Daily Mail note that the 22-year-old is represented by his parents and, as parents

do, are keen to guard against any hasty moves. They haven't ruled out him staying with Leverkusen.