Liverpool could now accept ‘big’ Ibrahima Konate January offer
Ibrahima Konate has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool since the summer window with speculation now ramping up again.
Arne Slot’s side lost 3-0 to Man City last time out, and Konate was slammed by Liverpool fans for his display, with many calling for him to leave.
The France international has less than a year remaining on his contract and, unless progress is made in contract talks, looks likely to leave next summer.
Football Insider revealed on 5 October that Liverpool are still in talks with Konate over a new deal, but the lack of progress has led to concerns about his future.
As a result, there is a growing feeling the centre-back will leave Anfield soon, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich aiming to tempt him away from England.
Liverpool could accept Ibrahima Konate offer in January
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Konate is edging closer to leaving Liverpool after stalls in their contract talks, with a move now more likely than not.
While a pre-contract agreements seems most likely as things stand, Liverpool could be tempted to accept an offer for the centre-back during the January window.
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 the Reds will look to make money on his sale if they can land a replacement.
“I think, if it comes to it, Liverpool will want to take the money,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ll want to make the most money possible out of him if it looks like he’ll be leaving either way, so a big offer in January could tempt them to sell.
“The only issue with that is, who do they get in to replace him? They’ll want to do that first.
“I’ve said for a while, they haven’t been completely happy with him despite the success they’ve had, so the chance to find somebody better is there.
“They’re confident they can upgrade on him, because they’ve had concerns about him for a while and they were on show again in that game against Man City.
“There was a definite ploy by City to make Liverpool play to Konate and let him have the ball.
“Then they would press, because he’s liable to make a mistake, and that’s all you need to know about how he is viewed in that Liverpool team.“
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 6 November that Liverpool fear Konate will join Real Madrid, with a belief that a pre-contract deal is now likely to be agreed.
Liverpool eyeing alternatives for Konate in January
Brown told Football Insider on 10 November that Liverpool are planning to replace Konate and feel they can upgrade on the France international with a new option.
Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top target, while they are also considering a number of options including Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa as they weigh up multiple targets.
Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Guehi will leave Palace next summer, having come close to a move to Anfield on deadline day before the move fell through.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Konsa is an alternative to Guehi for Liverpool, and they could explore his availability if they look set to miss out on the Palace man.
However, Aston Villa will not sell Konsa under any circumstances in the January transfer window as he remains a crucial part of Unai Emery’s plans.
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