Premier League champions Arsenal have reportedly intensified their interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. The Daily Mail indicates that Arsenal, whose previous bid for the England defender was turned down last month, are set to return with an improved offer. Villa has set a minimum valuation of £60m for Konsa.
Across the league, Liverpool are seeking to bolster their defensive options and may pursue Real Madrid centre-back Raúl Asencio. Teamtalk reports that the 23-year-old has been informed he can depart the Bernabéu, with various agents having approached Liverpool regarding a transfer. Additionally, teenage Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough are poised to sign goalkeeper Radek Vitek from Manchester United in a £14m deal, which includes a 35% sell-on clause for United, according to Sky Sports. Boro are also close to finalising a £7m agreement for Tottenham centre-half Ashley Phillips.