Liverpool 'in talks' over swap deal to land first signing for Andoni Iraola

Liverpool focused their efforts on the summer transfer window last year, but the first order of business after the end of a tumultuous 2025-26 season is to replace Arne Slot as manager.

The Reds hierarchy gave Arne Slot his marching orders in the aftermath of their fifth-placed finish, a significant drop-off from their second title of the Premier League era.

Mitigating circumstances abound, but Slot faced thinly veiled criticism from Mohamed Salah and Liverpool's qualification for the Champions League was less than the bare minimum after the Anfield club's vast investment in the transfer market last summer.

Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is expected to succeed the Dutchman and will be intent on shaping the Liverpool team in his own image.

Iraola is understood to be close to joining a club reportedly engaged in negotiations over possible transfer business with another Champions League club.

According to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Inter Milan are eager to add Reds midfielder Curtis Jones to their ranks ahead of next season.

The clubs are apparently a long way apart in discussions around a transfer fee, but Jones only has a year left on his Liverpool contract and his openness to a move to Serie A could grease the wheels.

"Liverpool’s demand stands at €30m right now, which is €10m more than what Inter can pay," reports Sport Witness.

"Despite that, Jones is very keen on joining the Nerazzurri.

"Even if Newcastle United are interested, he favours a move to Italy over staying in England.

"His stance hasn’t changed since January, when the Italian champions had made a significant approach to sign him."

Are the Reds are in the market for a right-back?

Liverpool's interest in Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries is another bargaining chip for the Nerazzurri.

They signed Jeremie Frimpong, far from an orthodox right-back even in an attacking sense, last summer.

Conor Bradley's return from injury will be a major boost for Iraola and Liverpool but Gazzetta claims that the Reds are considering meeting Dumfries' €25m release clause.

"The wing-back is keen on moving away and seeking a chance at another club," reports Sport Witness.

"There is a chance he was discussed between the two clubs on Tuesday.

"As a result, there is a possibility of Liverpool ending up with the 29-year-old for €25m.

"For the same price, Jones can end up at Inter, leaving both parties satisfied."