Sources: Liverpool locked in talks to extend ‘fantastic’ player’s contract
Liverpool spent heavily to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad during the summer transfer window and are already putting plans in place for January.
The Reds want to further strengthen their side as they aim to retain the Premier League title despite back-to-back league defeats against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Liverpool have been assessing centre-back options in the transfer market, with suggestions Slot could sign two new defenders to provide additional cover.
However, there is also a focus on keeping key players at the club amid speculation some of their regular starters could be prised away from Anfield.
Among those is Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season with Real Madrid keen to poach the Liverpool defender.
Liverpool locked in Ibrahima Konate contract talks
Football Insider revealed on 4 October that Liverpool are extremely reluctant to lose Konate amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.
Despite his poor start to the season, the France international remains a crucial part of Slot’s plans, particularly given their lack of depth at the back.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Liverpool are locked in contract talks with Konate as they aim to extend his deal and prevent him leaving Anfield for free come the end of the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Liverpool are still in negotiations with Konate and his representatives over a new contract.
“They are hoping that he will end the speculation about his future by signing a new deal at Anfield, but obviously Real Madrid are ready to move if he does run down his contract.
“Although he’s been bit shaky and not at his best so far this season, I don’t think it’ll have any massive impact on his long-term future.
“Liverpool want to keep him, talks are ongoing, while I’m sure Real Madrid and others will be closely monitoring those contract talks as well.”
Konate remains a key player for Liverpool in his role alongside Virgil van Dijk, which has led to high praise as Wayne Rooney recently labelled the defender “fantastic”. [BBC]
Konate contract update emerges at Anfield
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Liverpool would hold fresh contract talks with Konate following the end of the summer transfer window.
While there has been little progress towards an agreement so far, the Reds remain hopeful of getting him tied down before the January window opens.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 31 August that Liverpool are not concerned about Konate’s future despite his poor start to the season.
Konate was slammed for his display against Crystal Palace when the Reds lost 2-1, before Liverpool fans urged the club to sell Konate in the wage of their Galatasaray defeat.
However, his recent dip in form is not thought to be a major concern for the decision-makers at Anfield and will not have an impact on his immediate future.
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