Romano Transfer News: Mac Allister to Man Utd, Nwaneri latest, Liverpool positive over Alonso

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest transfer news, including the latest on Alexis Mac Allister’s future, Ethan Nwaneri’s difficult loan to Marseille and Liverpool’s next manager.

Will Mac Allister leave Liverpool for Man Utd?

Alexis Mac Allister has confirmed that he’s not yet in contract talks with Liverpool, and with his deal expiring in 2028, there is a growing fear he could leave the club. Manchester United have been linked with a stunning move for him, so what’s the truth behind the situation?

Romano told his YouTube channel:

“I think the player has been very honest in his press conference. When asked about his contract, Alexis Mac Allister said they are not in contract talks with Liverpool, and that is the reality. But he also said they are not in a rush and that he is very happy at Liverpool.

“There is no problem between Mac Allister and Liverpool. The point is that Liverpool are going step by step with the contracts. They are talking with Ibrahima Konate but there is still no final agreement. They are also talking with Dominik Szoboszlai and, as I reported, they extended Ryan Gravenberch’s contract a few days ago on important terms.

“So Liverpool are moving step by step. At the moment with Mac Allister nothing is imminent and nothing is close. He is aware of Liverpool’s interest in opening negotiations in the next months, but at the moment there is nothing concrete or advanced.

“There were stories about Manchester United and Mac Allister in England in February, but as I already said at that stage I’m not aware of anything concrete. United will sign midfielders, but the situation with Mac Allister is still quiet.

“Remember he is under contract until 2028 at Liverpool, so when he says they are not in a rush it is also the reality. At some point they will talk, but it is not something urgent for both sides.”

Rashford takes big step towards Barcelona

Marcus Rashford is close to agreeing terms with Barcelona in what would be an “important step” for him to complete his move to the Camp Nou side from Man Utd.

“The point on Rashford is that personal terms are almost agreed between Rashford and Barcelona. As I always mentioned, with the elections at Barcelona nothing is going to happen this month in terms of club-to-club negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester United. So we have to wait for those stages where Barcelona can actually reach an agreement with Manchester United,” Romano said.

“What I can tell you today is that if Barcelona don’t pay the €30m, the message from Manchester United is clear: the player comes back and they will have plenty of clubs interested in signing Rashford after he did very well at Barcelona.

“United feel very relaxed. Either Barcelona pay the €30m or they are prepared to sell the player elsewhere in the summer. From Barcelona they are also quite relaxed because they already have an agreement with Rashford and the contract is almost ready.

“Financially they have to see the timing of the negotiation with Manchester United to reach an agreement on the final fee. But from United there is no intention to negotiate. Barcelona have to pay this money if they want to keep Rashford, otherwise the situation will be different in the summer.

“Reaching an agreement with the player is already a very important step, and I think there are very good chances to see Rashford staying at Barcelona for the long term.”

Romero could lead Tottenham exodus

Cristian Romero is set to be one of the first out of the door at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer as the disastrous season of the London club continued with a 5-2 loss against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

“Yes, he signed a new contract at Tottenham last summer, but my understanding is that some clubs, also considering Tottenham’s situation in the Premier League, are calling to ask about his situation,” Romano confirmed.

“Several important clubs in Europe and not only are making enquiries. There is movement around Romero. I think it is absolutely normal. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world, a World Cup winner and a crucial player for Tottenham.

“Apart from the recent red cards, his performances for Tottenham and Argentina have always been top. So the situation is one to watch because several clubs are calling. One year ago Atletico Madrid wanted him and it was not possible to proceed. I think there will be plenty of clubs interested in Romero, so he could be one of the big names to follow in the summer.

“Let’s also see what happens with Tottenham because one thing is Tottenham staying in the Premier League and another is Tottenham in the Championship, obviously in terms of valuation of the player and the financial situation.”

Arsenal give Nwaneri backing

Ethan Nwaneri retains the full trust of Arsenal, despite a loan move to Marseille going sour due to the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as OM boss. He has subsequently struggled for pitch time.

“For Nwaneri it’s not an easy situation at present because he went to Olympique Marseille expecting to work under Roberto De Zerbi, and then De Zerbi decided to leave. So it became a completely different situation,” Romano confirmed.

“The expectation was also for Marseille to continue their Champions League campaign and then they were eliminated in the final minutes of the final game. So it has been different compared to the expectations for Nwaneri.

“At the moment I can guarantee that Arsenal maintain full confidence in the player. Arsenal are waiting for him to complete the season at Marseille and then come back to the club. They believe in him 100%.

“The message from Arsenal is still optimistic. In the summer they will speak to the player to understand the best situation for him, whether it’s staying at Arsenal or maybe going on loan somewhere else. They will assess all the options with the player.

“Arsenal maintain full trust in him. Even if they understand it has been an unlucky loan at Marseille, they believe in the player and his potential. Nothing has changed in terms of long-term plans.”

Liverpool and Xabi Alonso ‘very positive’

Romano refused to confirm that Liverpool are in talks with Xabi Alonso over replacing Arne Slot in the summer – but he did say the Reds are “very positive” over the Spaniard.

“At the moment there is nothing done, agreed or advanced between Xabi Alonso and Liverpool. I can guarantee that nothing has been decided.

“At the end of the season Liverpool will have an internal review involving players, managers and people at the club. There will be an internal conversation to review the season.

“But at the moment nothing is decided and nothing is agreed with Xabi Alonso. There is appreciation of course, because he is a former Liverpool player and a top coach, so the feelings between Xabi Alonso and Liverpool are very positive. But nothing has been agreed as of today.”

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