Liverpool holding Ibrahima Konate talks as deadline-day deal close

Exclusive: Liverpool holding Ibrahima Konate talks as deadline-day deal close

Liverpool will hold fresh talks over a new contract for Ibrahima Konate after the transfer deadline passes.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 26-year-old’s future with just one year remaining on his current deal at Anfield.

Real Madrid are believed to be keeping close tabs on the centre-back with a view to landing him for free, while Liverpool are closing in on the deadline-day signing of Marc Guehi.

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.

The Reds’ pursuit of Guehi has added further doubt to the France international’s future amid questions about his long-term role in the starting XI.

However, the Reds remain determined to tie him down to new terms after Football Insider first revealed in October that Liverpool were in contract talks with Konate.

Credit: Imago

Liverpool make Ibrahima Konate decision after Real Madrid latest

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Liverpool want to resolve Konate’s future this summer with just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

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There are no plans at Anfield to let the defender leave for free at the end of his contract, and they plan to push towards reaching an agreement before January.

O’Rourke explained that talks are expected to restart following the end of the summer transfer window, when they will be able to focus on agreeing terms.

“He still is highly thought of by Arne Slot,” he told Football Insider.

“Right now there’s nothing sort of concerning about his future.

“Obviously his contract situation is the main talking point on Anfield right now.

“Once the window closes, there’ll be further talks held with Konate to see if he will sign a new contract or not before the January window.

“Otherwise that will be Liverpool’s last chance to cash in on him.”

Credit: Imago

Reds backed to complete Marc Guehi deal after Alexander Isak

Amid the speculation about Konate’s future, Liverpool remain confident of agreeing a deal for Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline on Monday evening.

Football Insider revealed on 1 September that Guehi is expected to follow Alexander Isak in joining Liverpool on deadline day in a big move for the Reds.

Liverpool had a bid of £35million for Guehi rejected by Crystal Palace on Saturday, but will make a “minor adjustment” on the add-ons to get a deal over the line.

Talks between the two clubs continued on Sunday night and there is an expectation among all parties that Guehi will be a Liverpool player by the time the window shuts.

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