Latest transfer news today: Man Utd target 15-assist defender as Xabi Alonso eyes £50m Chelsea upgrade

The Premier League transfer market is beginning to shift into gear, with clubs across the division moving quickly to secure early deals and position themselves heading into the summer.

Recruitment teams are pushing on with plans, agents are active, and several high‑profile negotiations are already shaping the early narrative of the window.

So with that in mind, Football Whispers takes a look at the biggest headlines dominating today's stories:

Liverpool plot bold Monaco double swoop

Liverpool are ‘ready to spend big' this summer as they push to sign two of AS Monaco’s most exciting young talents.

According to reports, the Reds are said to be targeting Maghnes Akliouche and Lamine Camara, with a combined fee of around £90m expected to be required to land the midfield duo.

They won’t have a clear run at either player, however. Paris Saint‑Germain are pursuing Akliouche, while Manchester United are showing firm interest in Camara.

Both players are heading to the 2026 World Cup, meaning their valuations could shift as the tournament approaches, and with Monaco set to miss out on European football, their negotiating position is weaker than usual.

Man Utd monitoring Julian Ryerson

Manchester United have registered a strong interest in Borussia Dortmund full‑back Julian Ryerson as they assess potential options ahead of the summer window.

Reports in Germany say the club are closely monitoring the 28‑year‑old and view him as a possible replacement should Noussair Mazraoui leave Old Trafford. The Moroccan's future is not yet decided, but United are clearly preparing for every scenario, with Ryerson emerging as a credible contingency target.

The Norway international, who produced an impressive 15 Bundesliga assists this season, is highly regarded at Dortmund, though not considered ‘unsellable'. His valuation is believed to sit at around £24 million, making him a realistic option if United choose to move.

Manchester United are monitoring Julian Ryerson (28/🇳🇴) in case Noussair Mazraoui leaves the club. Ryerson (15 assists during the Bundesliga campaign) is on #MUFC’s RB backup shortlist. 🔴

Borussia Dortmund rate him highly but not unsellable. Price tag more than €30m.…

— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) May 20, 2026

Chelsea weigh up move for Edmond Tapsoba

Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso could look to reunite with one of his former Bayer Leverkusen stars this summer, according to emerging reports.

The Blues are weighing up a move for Edmond Tapsoba, who played a key role under Alonso during Leverkusen’s historic league and cup double in 2023/24.

Despite Chelsea appearing well stocked at centre‑back, the Spaniard is understood to have reservations about some of his likely options, making the Burkina Faso international an appealing target.

The 6 foot 4 titan remains under contract with the Bundesliga outfit until 2031, meaning any deal would require a significant fee, likely to exceed around £50 million.