Latest transfer news today: Chelsea handed Maxence Lacroix boost as Liverpool ‘lead’ £50m midfield race

There is just one weekend left of World Cup football before the spotlight fully returns to club matters, and Premier League sides are already accelerating their summer transfer plans.

With the international schedule winding down, clubs across the top flight are moving quickly to secure key targets ahead of pre‑season.

Football Whispers rounds up the biggest rumours and developing stories dominating today’s back pages.

Liverpool leading Kaishu Sano race

Liverpool are thought to be closing in on the signing of a new midfielder this summer.

According to reports, the Reds are ‘leading' the race to sign Mainz and Japan star Kaishu Sano, with the club ready to table an offer in the region of £50 million.

They face strong competition, though, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund all showing interest in the 24‑year‑old.

Sano impressed for Samurai Blue during the early stages of the World Cup, prompting Liverpool to hold talks as they consider mounting a formal move.

Arsenal ramp up Ezri Konsa interest

Arsenal are clearly targeting multiple additions across the pitch as Mikel Arteta prepares for his first title defence.

And the Gunners appear ready to push ahead after registering their interest in Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa, according to the Guardian.

It’s thought the 28‑year‑old could quickly emerge as a more serious option following the injury blow to William Saliba, who now faces several months out with a back problem.

Konsa is capable of playing at centre-back as well as right-back, and with Arsenal now expressing firm interest, we could see this advance in the coming weeks.

Chelsea handed Maxence Lacroix boost

Chelsea have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of one of their key central defensive targets this off‑season.

The Blues, now under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, have identified Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix as a priority as they look to strengthen their backline.

And according to new reports, the Eagles have already lined up a potential successor in Augsburg centre‑back Chrislain Matsima.

It’s claimed the fellow Frenchman is among several names on Palace’s centre‑back shortlist, potentially opening the door for Lacroix to be sold to Chelsea.