Liverpool have held exploratory talks over a late January move for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds are considering their right-back options ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, having lost Jeremie Frimpong to a worrying injury.
Arne Slot’s side have reportedly held direct conversations with Inter, but are not currently pursuing a move for Dumfries, who is sidelined for around two weeks with an injury.
The talks were held as part of discussions involving Curtis Jones, with Inter exploring a move to sign the midfielder in the final three days of the January window.
Liverpool Hold Denzel Dumfries Talks
Denzel Dumfries
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Liverpool would only consider a loan move for Dumfries at this stage, with his release clause not active until the summer.
“Liverpool today had a conversation with Inter. A club-to-club conversation with Inter. Very good relationship.
“So, from what I'm told, Liverpool asked about the situation of Denzel Dumfries. The release close is not valid in January. The release clause, around €20–25m, is only valid in the summer.
“But the understanding on this story is that Liverpool have asked about the player and the injury situation.
“At the moment, Dumfries is still expected to be out for weeks. Should not be a long one. Could be around 10 days, 15, 20. This is the expectation.
“So Liverpool got this information, but at the moment, Liverpool haven't sent any bid, haven't started any negotiations.
“My understanding is that Liverpool could potentially only consider this possibility, due to the injury, on a loan deal and Inter don't want to do a loan deal for Dumfries.
“So at the moment, there is nothing in it. There is just conversation club-to-club. Let's see if Liverpool decide to attack, but at the moment it's just a normal conversation.”
Dumfries joined Inter in 2021 from PSV Eindhoven and has developed into a ‘world-class’ right-back during his four-and-a-half seasons at San Siro.
The Dutchman helped Inter win the Serie A title in 2023/24 and is also a two-time Italian Cup winner.
A move to Anfield would see him join forces with Netherlands teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool Yet to Make Signings in January
Liverpool manager Arne Slot clapping
Premier League - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 13, 2025 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
After spending over £450m on new signings in an unprecedented summer transfer window for the club, Liverpool have endured a very quiet January, with no major activity registered.
Slot is seemingly content with his current options despite an underwhelming second season at Anfield, with the Reds sitting sixth in the Premier League after 23 games.
Liverpool have failed to win their last five league games and next host Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday.
The Merseyside club will be looking to build on their 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag in the Champions League midweek, their biggest win of the season.
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