Barcelona keep Marcus Rashford dream alive, Real Madrid plot double swoop for Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries - Paper Round

Barcelona’s spectacular capture of Anthony Gordon has not closed the door on a potential move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. 

The Catalan giants are seemingly in a healthier financial position than in recent years and are treating both winger targets as separate issues, though heavy Premier League interest from Newcastle, Tottenham, and Aston Villa remains.

The i Paper reports: ”Anthony Gordon’s stunning move to Barcelona does not mean Marcus Rashford’s Catalonian dreams are in tatters. 

”While Barcelona are not flush with cash, The i Paper has been told they are in a much better financial position than they have been for some time. They are therefore treating both Gordon and Rashford’s deals in isolation. 

”But given Rashford’s age and the potential salary involved, his future is up in the air. 

”At least three Premier League clubs are understood to be monitoring the situation. One source added Newcastle could turn to Rashford as a replacement for Gordon, even if it does not fit into the overall recruitment policy of the club. Aston Villa could also re-sign the forward who spent the last half of the 2024/25 season at Villa Park. 

”Tottenham’s recruitment policy is different to that of Newcastle’s. They are keen to add Premier League experience to their young ranks, with Rashford understood to be of interest to them. 

”Bayern Munich are another still assessing the situation. They are in the market for another wide option to provide competition for Michael Olise and Luis Diaz.”

Real Madrid are working on an ambitious defensive overhaul ahead of Jose Mourinho’s anticipated return, opening talks with departing Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate and Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries.

Konate will leave Anfield on a free transfer after contract extension talks collapsed, while Madrid aim to trigger Dumfries' €20 million (£17.3m) release clause following Sunday's presidential election.

The Mirror states: ”Ibrahima Konate is in talks to join Real Madrid following confirmation that he will leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer.

"The defender had been involved in season-long talks with the Reds over a possible extension, but the two parties could not come to an arrangement and Konate will now call time on his five years at Anfield, paving the way for a free move elsewhere.

”Back in April, the French defender claimed he was 'close to an agreement' and suggested he was eager to stay at Anfield. However, it emerged last week that he would be leaving after an agreement was unable to be reached.

"Konate's Anfield exit will be offset by the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the highly-rated young defender from Rennes. A deal was struck in January with Liverpool paying up to £60m to secure the player.”

The Athletic adds: ”Madrid have made Inter’s Dumfries their top target to strengthen at right-back and have held talks with the 30-year-old, who has a €20million (£21.6m) release clause. 

"Sources briefed on the deal, speaking anonymously as they did not have permission to discuss the details, say personal terms for Dumfries are not expected to be an issue. 

”One further source said Madrid were planning on concluding the deal for Dumfries following the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election, so long as Perez is declared the winner as is expected. 

”Incoming head coach Jose Mourinho has been focused on strengthening the defence.”

Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, moving ahead of a crowded field of Premier League suitors.

The 23-year-old, who swept the second-tier individual awards this season, is reportedly very keen on moving to Goodison Park to work under David Moyes.

The Mail explains: ”Everton have revived talks to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. 

”The 23-year-old was voted Middlesbrough's player of the year and the Championship's player of the season and has had interest from Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and, to a lesser degree, Manchester United. 

”However, it is understood Hackney is keen on linking up with David Moyes, a long-term admirer, because he believes he has a greater chance of first-team football.”

- - -
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max