Chelsea 'pull plug on defender signing' after Liverpool twist emerges

Chelsea are likely to pull the plug on their interest in Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in favour of pursuing a more promising option.

Instead, Chelsea are accelerating efforts to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, who has also been on Arne Slot's radar as a potential replacement for Konate.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Blues had been interested in the Liverpool centre-back given his likely availability on a free.

However, a number of costly mistakes and disappointing performances so far this season have seen them drop out of the running, following Real Madrid's decision.

Konate, 26, is expected to leave Anfield upon the expiry of his contract in the summer although his next destination remains unclear amid fading interest.

Chelsea pull out of race to sign Ibrahima Konate

Brown told Football Insider on 20 January that Konate is finished at Liverpool and the club have decided to let him go after contract talks stalled.

However, Chelsea are no longer expected to be among his suitors as they feel he is too error-prone, as they close in on the signing of Jacquet this month.

"A lot of teams are looking at Konate," Brown told Football Insider.

"Chelsea were one of those, but the general feeling is, if he's making mistakes at the back for Liverpool, he's going to make the same mistakes for them.

"They want somebody who is more solid and dependable, maybe a younger option as well.

"Konate has made too many costly mistakes playing in what largely has been a very good Liverpool side, so in a team who aren't quite as solid, it could only get worse.

"So for a team like Chelsea where they're looking to improve and establish themselves maybe as title contenders, I don't think he's what they need.

"I expect they're going to pull away from this one, so where that leaves Konate is unclear, because he isn't doing himself any favours so far this season."

Chelsea open door to David Datro Fofana exit

While the Blues are working on incoming deals, their recent success with selling fringe players for large sums could continue this month.

Football Insider revealed on 17 January that Chelsea plan to accept offers for David Datro Fofana as he is unlikely to play a role in their long-term plans.

Fofana is currently on loan at Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk, but could find his deal terminated early in favour of a permanent move elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Celtic are among the admirers of Fofana as they aim to sign a striker in the window's closing stages.

The Chelsea forward is not the only name on their radar, while they are not his only suitors, but a move to Scotland could be beneficial for his career.

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