Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, while Antony may depart Manchester United for £40 million.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to join Real Madrid before the start of the Club World Cup. The defender’s contract at Liverpool expires at the end of June, but he is expected to link up with Los Blancos ahead of this summer’s tournament, which kicks off on June 14.

According to a report in The Sun, “Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid from Liverpool for less than £1 million in time for the Club World Cup.” As SunSport revealed back in December, Real are eager for the defender to be available for their opening match in next month’s FIFA competition. Reports from Spain suggest that Liverpool’s hierarchy are willing to facilitate this move for a nominal fee, while also saving a month’s wages for the England international.

Although his contract runs until June 30, Real Madrid are keen to expedite the transfer before then. They are reportedly prepared to pay £850,000 to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services before facing Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.

In other transfer news, Antony could leave Manchester United for over £40 million this summer, with Atletico Madrid expressing interest in the Brazilian winger. The 23-year-old has made a significant impact during his loan spell at Real Betis, netting six goals and providing four assists, including a crucial strike in the club’s UEFA Conference League victory over Fiorentina on Thursday.

An article in the Express states, “Manchester United are increasingly hopeful of recouping up to £42.5 million (€50 million) for Antony this summer, providing a significant boost to Ruben Amorim’s financial resources.” Betis believe that Antony is keen to extend his stay beyond the current season, with the winger reportedly having given his word. However, United are holding off on formal transfer discussions until the end of the season, as both clubs remain deeply engaged in their respective European campaigns.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are reportedly turning their attention to Porto striker Samu Aghehowa if they fail to secure Marcus Rashford this summer. The Sun claims that Unai Emery’s side is “unlikely” to sign Rashford permanently, despite his impressive form since joining on loan in January. This situation has prompted Villa to explore other striking options, with Aghehowa emerging as a potential target.

“Aston Villa are stepping up their hunt for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa – as they look unlikely to trigger Marcus Rashford’s £40 million buy-out option,” the article notes. Villa recently sent a scout to Portugal to observe Aghehowa, who scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Moreirense. The Spain Under-21 international opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty and later added to his tally, bringing his season total to 24 goals with a tidy finish.

Villa have been monitoring Aghehowa, formerly known as Samu Omorodion, since he joined Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer. The 20-year-old made headlines last November when he announced he wished to be known by his maternal surname, Aghehowa, in honour of his mother. Aghehowa was on the verge of signing for Chelsea last summer after the Blues agreed a fee of around £35 million.