Real Madrid INCREASE efforts to sign key Liverpool star

Liverpool are facing uncertainty over several first-team players heading into the transfer window. In defence, there are question marks over THREE of the club’s current back four and plenty more besides.

Virgil van Dijk is the only one of Arne Slot’s defence with his future sorted out - signing a new deal until 2027. But Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed his intentions to leave the club and Real Madrid are widely expected to be his next destination.

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Andy Robertson, meanwhile, has got a contract which expires in 2026 and the club have been heavily linked with other left-backs. Reserves like Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas could all end up departing Anfield too should suitable bids be made.

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But Liverpool fans are perhaps most concerned about the evolving situation regarding Ibrahima Konate.

Konate out of contract in summer 2026

The French defender, 25, is out of contract in 2026 and so far there have been no positive signals on a renewal. It’s been reported that Konate is looking for £200,000 per week, which would place him among Liverpool’s highest earners.

And if no deal is reached soon then sporting director Richard Hughes could be forced into a quick sale this summer while his value remains high.

Paris Saint-Germain are keen and Anfield Watch has reported that the French capital side are willing to make Konate captain if he returns to his home city.

Real Madrid too are reported to be keen, with a big overhaul at centre-back required either this summer or next - when Konate is out of contract.

Liverpool will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the Alexander-Arnold situation - this one having the added jeopardy of the club paying £35m for Konate back in 2021 to RB Leipzig.

Now it appears that Madrid are stepping up their efforts to recruit the France international.

Real Madrid WATCHING Trent and Konate

According to a report in Defensa Central, Los Blancos were in attendance for Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday and Konate was one of THREE players they were scouting.

Alexander-Arnold, of course, was among that number while the third member of the group under surveillance was Enzo Fernandez - the Chelsea midfielder.

“Enzo Fernández and Konaté are two of the three players who are being eyed by the Real Madrid side,” a report reads.

“The former has always been popular at Valdebebas and is seen as a good option to strengthen the midfield. The latter, meanwhile, is a candidate for the defensive back line.

“The third contender is Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

Liverpool need to take action quickly on Konate. They need to renew him and give in to his demands, thereby securing his future at the club, or else they need to make their minds up over a summer sale.

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The clock is ticking fast and very soon Konate will be a free agent. Madrid are waiting in the wings and are doing their homework on yet another Liverpool star name.