Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is now into the final 12 months of his Reds contract amid reports of interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate amid Real Madrid links.
(Image: Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ex-Liverpool player Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Ibrahima Konate amid uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman's future. The former RB Leipzig man has established himself as a vital cog in the Reds' defence, and played an integral part in their Premier League title triumph last season.
However, speculation continues to rage on regarding the France international, as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal at Anfield. Konate faces a similar prospect to what Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold and central defensive partner Virgil van Dijk did last season with the threat of leaving on a free transfer.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with interest in the 26-year-old after Los Blancos pulled a similar deal to land England defender Alexander-Arnold from the Reds - paying a nominal £10million fee in order for him to be available for their Club World Cup charge.
Taking to Instagram, Konate posted a carousel of pictures from his off-season away from Merseyside following a historic feat in the Premier League.
The post attracted likes and comments from supporters and teammates alike, among them was former Liverpool hero Alexander-Arnold, who commented: "Weshhhh," on the defender's post.
Trent Alexander-Arnold commented on Ibrahima Konate's Instagram.
Trent Alexander-Arnold commented on Ibrahima Konate's Instagram.
With Jarell Quansah set to join Bayer Leverkusen after England Under-21s' charge at the European Championships, the Reds are interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who is also out of contract next summer.
Oliver Glasner's side may look to cash in on his services, in order to avoid losing him for free after the forthcoming season, with Liverpool genuine contenders to sign the defender.
Real and PSG are also mooted as possible suitors with uncertainty increasing surrounding Konate's future.
But the Frenchman has been particularly blunt in addressing concerns, previously. Speaking after the title triumph, the 26-year-old shot down 'fake' speculation.
"You know, I just want to say one thing; Everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate said. "I didn't even ask for something from the club.
"They made me an offer and I replied to them with something, that's it.
"The rest [speculation] that I want to wait until the end.
"I want this, all of it is completely fake.
"And even the big journalists said in November I'm very close to signing the deal, I was like; 'Ah, they have more information than me'?
"Because it was not true, at that moment, and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract, but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.
"First thing, I'm very happy because we have won the Premier League trophy and we lifted it. We have to enjoy that, have a rest and hopefully next season will be better than this.
"I didn't expect the [contract] question this way! But you are smart, you're smart.
"To be fair, to win a trophy, even when I won my first trophy with Liverpool, the FA Cup, was just amazing.
"And bow, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives left with this club; to become a leader, to win everything. I'm very happy here to be fair, you know.
"But I know where you want to go with this question and this is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don't know when - but we will see, let me say that.
"Progressing? Not really, but my agent met the club last week but I don't know what will happen.
"I can't say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen."
Join our WhatsApp community, sign up to a newsletter or listen to our podcastsHERE