Liverpool ‘plan to accept Ibrahima Konate offer’
Liverpool are prepared to let Ibrahima Konate leave in the January transfer window amid growing concerns about his inconsistent performances.
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 unhappy with the 26-year-old’s recent performances.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Liverpool will accept £15million offers for Konate after struggling to make progress in contract talks.
While there is still a chance the France international puts pen to paper over new terms, failure to make immediate progress could force the Reds to cash in.
However, given their lack of defensive cover they are reluctant to see Konate leave without having a replacement lined up and will not weaken their squad.
Liverpool prepared to accept Ibrahima Konate offer
Brown told Football Insider on 6 December that Liverpool are prepared to let Konate leave, despite the blow of Real Madrid withdrawing their interest.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that landing a replacement will allow them to accelerate the Frenchman’s departure.
“If they can find a replacement, they’ll be prepared to let him go,” he told Football Insider.
“At the moment it’s a difficult situation, because the manager is obviously not happy with his performances and would like to improve there, but it’s not easy to do.
“We’ve said for a long time that Liverpool have got concerns about Konate.
“After the Leeds game the manager came out and pretty much said he’s been at fault for too many of the goals they’ve conceded this season.
“That doesn’t come as a surprise to me, and it won’t have come as a surprise to them either.
“If he doesn’t want to sign a new contract, it makes sense for them to make some money from him, so like I say if they have the chance to move him on, I think they will.
“He makes far too many mistakes to be part of a team who wins titles regularly, they got away with it last season but they’re not any more, that’s a position they need to upgrade.”
Liverpool plotting moves to sign Konate’s replacement
Football Insider revealed on 17 November that Liverpool plan to replace Konate in January and have already begun assessing a number of potential options.
The centre-back’s contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, with interest from a number of European clubs still lingering.
Despite missing out on a move to Madrid, preparations are being put in place for his exit, with the likes of Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa among the names on their radar.
Football Insider revealed last month that Liverpool are preparing a January move for Guehi as they aim to beat their European rivals to his signature.
Since the Palace captain’s move to Anfield fell through on deadline day, the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign him for free.
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