Journalist: European giants still targeting Liverpool star
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Liverpool face Mac Allister dilemma as Real Madrid interest grows
Liverpool may soon find themselves confronting a decision few supporters would have anticipated when Alexis Mac Allister arrived at Anfield three years ago. The Argentine midfielder remains one of the most technically gifted players in Arne Slot’s squad, yet reports emerging from Football Insider suggest Real Madrid are closely monitoring his situation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to a number of sources, including Fabrizio Romano in the live transfer special below, Real Madrid are prepared to intensify their interest in Mac Allister should the Liverpool midfielder deliver another outstanding performance on football’s biggest international stage. It is a scenario that could create significant complications for Liverpool, particularly if multiple elite clubs join the race for his signature.
Real Madrid monitoring World Cup performances
Mac Allister’s reputation was transformed by Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup. His composure, tactical intelligence and ability to control matches against elite opposition convinced Liverpool to secure his services from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth around £35 million.
AdvertisementAdvertisementSince arriving on Merseyside, Mac Allister has established himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield. However, the latest report claims Real Madrid believe the coming World Cup could provide the perfect opportunity to assess whether he is ready to become a leading figure in their next generation of midfielders.
The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to strengthen their options in the centre of the park after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign. Mac Allister’s blend of technical quality, defensive awareness and leadership qualities has placed him firmly on their shortlist.
For Liverpool, the concern is obvious. A successful World Cup campaign could dramatically increase both the player’s market value and the number of clubs willing to compete for his signature.
Injury setbacks create uncertainty
While Mac Allister remains highly regarded within Liverpool’s coaching staff, the past season has not been without difficulties.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Argentina international endured a campaign disrupted by recurring fitness issues. Injuries prevented him from maintaining the consistency that had become a hallmark of his performances during his first two seasons at Anfield.
Liverpool are understood to value Mac Allister highly, but modern football economics often force clubs to consider opportunities when a player’s value reaches its peak. With his contract running until 2028, Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position should any formal approach arrive.
Financial opportunity for Liverpool
One of the most intriguing aspects of the report is the suggestion that Liverpool could be willing to listen to offers if a bidding war develops.
AdvertisementAdvertisementSuch a scenario would provide the club with significant financial flexibility. Liverpool have invested heavily in squad evolution during recent transfer windows and a substantial fee for Mac Allister could accelerate further rebuilding plans.
That does not mean Liverpool are actively seeking a sale. Far from it. Mac Allister remains an important member of the squad and a player trusted in major matches.
However, elite clubs rarely ignore opportunities to maximise value when circumstances align. Should Real Madrid, or other European heavyweights, submit offers reflecting Mac Allister’s status as a World Cup winner and Premier League performer, Liverpool may at least consider their options.
World Cup could shape next chapter
If Mac Allister enjoys another standout tournament with Argentina, speculation surrounding his future will inevitably intensify. Real Madrid’s interest appears genuine, and strong performances on the international stage would only strengthen the case for a move.
As things stand, Liverpool hold all the cards. Mac Allister is under contract, remains a valuable member of the squad and has shown repeatedly why he is considered one of the Premier League’s most intelligent midfielders.
Whether Real Madrid’s admiration develops into something more substantial may ultimately depend on what happens at the 2026 World Cup.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
