Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Ready Rodrygo Bid; Man Utd Chase Chelsea Striker

Liverpool are preparing to test Real Madrid’s resolve with an official approach for Brazilian winger Rodrygo, according to reports from Spain. The 23-year-old, who has also attracted admiring glances from Manchester United, has indicated a preference to remain at the Bernabéu but could reassess his future if his minutes do not increase after the winter break.

The Merseyside club view Rodrygo as a potential difference-maker in their push for silverware and are expected to formalise interest ahead of the summer window. Real Madrid have so far rebuffed informal enquiries, yet Liverpool believe a competitive offer could shift the stance of the Spanish giants, who remain mindful of Financial Fair Play pressures and the need to refresh areas of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Simultaneously, Manchester United have set their sights on Chelsea striker Liam Delap. The 21-year-old, on loan at the Midlands club this season, has struggled for consistent game time and goals, placing his long-term future at Stamford Bridge in doubt. United’s recruitment staff have identified Delap as a developmental project who could thrive under the intensive coaching environment at Old Trafford, and they are ready to make an approach should Chelsea decide to cash in.

Everton and Newcastle are also monitoring Delap’s situation, with both clubs on alert for any signal that Chelsea would entertain offers. The striker’s representatives are understood to have held preliminary talks with interested parties, though no deal is yet close.

Elsewhere, Liverpool continue to scour the market for defensive reinforcements, with Newcastle’s Sven Botman and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven featuring prominently on a contingency list should Ibrahima Konaté depart. Sources close to the club stress that no decision has been made on Konaté’s future, yet the recruitment team is determined to avoid being caught short in the centre-back department.

Across Manchester, City are lining up an €80 million swoop for Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, while United have added Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli to an expanding midfield shortlist. Chelsea, meanwhile, are quietly advancing negotiations for Atlético striker Julián Alvarez after hosting the Argentine’s representatives in London, signalling a potential offensive overhaul under new management.

As the summer window shapes up, the Premier League’s heavyweights are positioning themselves for a flurry of high-stakes moves, with Liverpool’s pursuit of Rodrygo and United’s interest in Delap poised to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.