Richard Hughes getting TOUGH over Ibrahima Konate deal

Trent Alexander-Arnold was picked off by Real Madrid as his Liverpool contract ticked down to its end.

Although the Reds managed to bank £8.4m for the England full-back, that was far beneath his market value.

Diogo Jota: Thank you

It stung the club to lose a world-class performer for next to nothing. And it is a situation that they feared repeating itself over Ibrahima Konate.

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The France defender, 26, is out of contract in 2026 and there has been no agreement thus far in discussions over a new deal.

Madrid's Konate deal "getting tough"

It was previously reported that Konate was seeking £200k to renew - with further reports suggesting that he had made up his mind on a move to Real Madrid next year.

But Foot Mercato reported earlier this week that Liverpool had renewed their attempts to tie Konate down to a new contract.

While the offer has not been answered as yet - it’s enough to worry the partisan Madrid media.

Fichajes ran a report on Thursday which admitted: “Konate’s move is getting tough. Liverpool aren't willing to let the French defender go without a fight.”

Liverpool back in a position of strength

And so we’ve moved from a situation where Liverpool were being described as helpless in their fight to keep Konate at the club long term to one where they are again in a position of power.

It would appear that Liverpool are prepared to sell Konate this summer if he doesn’t agree a new deal - with Marc Guehi lined up as a potential readymade replacement.

However, their first choice would clearly be to keep the former RB Leipzig stopper at the club having seen him rise to become Virgil van Dijk’s preferred partner.

Konate would be WISE to stay

With Madrid only prepared to offer around £25m for Konate this summer, it may not be enough to convince the Reds to do business. Instead they are prepared to take a calculated risk on Konate.

He can’t be anything other than impressed by the club’s transfer business this summer with the club set to reign for the seasons ahead.

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That in turn could be the impetus Konate needs to sign on the dotted line - getting himself a pay rise as well as the opportunity to remain with the best team in England.

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