Liverpool discover IDEAL €50m Ibrahima Konate replacement

The prospect of Ibrahima Konate leaving in the summer has reached the 'more than likely' stage.

We've heard nothing over the last 12 months to suggest that he's close to renewing his contract with Liverpool, and so we're faced with the prospect of him becoming a free agent when the season ends.

Real Madrid have been lurking around his situation for quite some time and given their success with Trent Alexander-Arnold, they'll back themselves to pull off the feat once again if there's a chance.

With that in mind, the Reds are looking at potential replacements while talks with Konate continue.

Talks with Schlotterbeck have begun

According to a report from Spanish website Fichajes, 25-year-old Nico Schlotterbeck is on Liverpool's radar for a potential move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

His own personal contract talks aren't going well as a result of a disagreement on salary expectations, meaning he could be looking for a new club in the imminent future.

While Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to be considering him, Liverpool are the club that has spent the most time on him so far. 'Positive conversations with the player's representatives' have been held and an approach of €50m (£44m) or beyond could be made in order to secure the player.

He's also seen as a 'ideal successor' for Konate, should the Frenchman decide against a new deal.

This is slightly new information, since he had previously been looked at through the lens of being Virgil Van Dijk's replacement, given the leadership experience he's gained as Dortmund's captain.

Of course, he could play across the defensive line and it would only take a few tactical tweaks for Schlotterbeck to fit into the right-sided role instead. Nonetheless, he's really highly-regarded.

The only qualm with the German defender is the wages he's looking for. They appear to be very steep when compared to the rest of the Arne Slot's squad. Although, if the club is willing to proceed with an approach for him, then we can trust that Richard Hughes will have ironed out the details.

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