Liverpool have reportedly floated the idea of signing Denzel Dumfries during discussions that would have seen Curtis Jones move in the opposite direction to Inter Milan, according to Italian outlets. Inter have been pursuing Jones ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Liverpool midfielder now entering the final 12 months of his deal.
However, the Italian giants are finding it difficult to match Liverpool's asking price for the midfielder, who has established himself as a first-team regular after coming through the Anfield ranks. It was reported last week that a significant 'gulf' existed between the two clubs in negotiations, with Inter hoping to generate additional funds before potentially attempting to resurrect a deal in July.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Liverpool subsequently proposed bringing Dumfries into the equation during discussions over Jones, given the considerable disparity in the two clubs' valuations.
It is understood Liverpool value the 25-year-old at £25.9million - some £8.6m beyond what Inter are currently able to stretch to.
Dumfries has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool, and it appears their interest in the Dutch wing-back remains firmly intact, even following Arne Slot's exit on Saturday.
It is claimed the 30-year-old has a £21m release clause written into his contract, though it remains unclear whether either club intends to progress talks regarding the players involved.
Should Liverpool push forward with a move to bring Dumfries to Anfield in the coming weeks, he could potentially become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era.
The departing Bournemouth manager has swiftly emerged as the red-hot favourite to take over from Slot, pausing talks with Crystal Palace. He is anticipated to enter into discussions with Liverpool this week, with the Reds eager to confirm an appointment before the World Cup gets underway on June 11.
Iraola has earned widespread acclaim for the remarkable work he delivered on the south coast, departing Bournemouth having secured European football through a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League — the highest in the club's history.
Should Liverpool cast their net wider in their pursuit of a new head coach, Sebastian Hoeness represents another viable candidate to fill Slot's shoes after impressing at Stuttgart, as does Lens manager Pierre Sage.