Liverpool ‘concerned about Ibrahima Konate’ after latest
Liverpool are concerned about the inconsistent performances of Ibrahima Konate this season as they plot a move to sign a new centre-back.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Arne Slot is not convinced he is the long-term answer in that position.
As a result, Liverpool are expected to be open to offers for the 25-year-old come the summer amid interest from the likes of PSG and Real Madrid.
Should an offer arrive at a price that suits the Reds, they will entertain his potential exit and will then enter the transfer market to find a replacement.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Liverpool are accelerating their move to sign a new centre-back even if Virgil van Dijk commits his future to the club.
Konate is viewed as a potential risk at the back and while his average performance level is high, it is the inconsistency which has left many at Anfield frustrated.
This comes after former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Konate should have been sent off for a questionable incident in the clash v Wolves.
Liverpool open to Ibrahima Konate offers after latest twist
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that while Konate has been a solid option, Liverpool feel they can improve in his position.
“I’m hearing they’re not 100 per cent happy with Konate,” he told Football Insider.
“There are concerns that he’s always got a mistake in him and they could improve in that position.
“If somebody comes in with an offer for him which suits the club, they would be open to that.
“He’s done well this season, but he’s not the player they see as being a rock at the back for years to come.
“They’ve always got their hearts in their mouths a bit with him, because he’s liable to make a clumsy challenge or get caught out and make an error.
“80 per cent of the time he’s a solid option, but it’s the 20 per cent that worries them.
“So there is a feeling at Liverpool that if they could find a better option in the market, they would do.
“Whether that would be using the money from him and reinvesting it, or just going out with what they’ve got to improve on him, we’ll have to wait and see what they do.”
Arne Slot plotting move to sign Micky van de Ven
Amid growing uncertainty over the future of both Konate and Van Dijk at Anfield, Liverpool have already begun weighing up potential options for replacements.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 February that Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has emerged as a top option for the position ahead of the summer.
The 23-year-old is said to be highly rated by Slot, who has been aware of his abilities from their respective backgrounds in the Netherlands.
Van de Ven is viewed as an elite-level Champions League player at Anfield, and he is one they have ambitions of signing regardless of Van Dijk’s future.
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