Overview

• OneFootball, citing the Mirror, reports the Crystal Palace captain has told advisers his preferred destination is Real Madrid rather than Liverpool.
• A proposed £35 million switch to Anfield collapsed on deadline day when Palace, lacking a replacement, declined to sanction the sale.
• With his contract expiring at season’s end, overseas clubs can negotiate a pre-contract in January, and Barcelona are also reported to be monitoring the situation.
• Liverpool manager Arne Slot publicly acknowledged disappointment at missing out, saying the player had expected the move to go through.
• Local coverage notes Liverpool may weigh alternatives as they reassess defensive plans, with Ibrahima Konaté’s future also uncertain.