Liverpool have told Real Madrid they must bid at least €50m (£43m) if they want to sign Ibrahima Konate this summer, according to Fichajes.
The La Liga giants are keen to land the Frenchman from the Merseyside club, with new manager Xabi Alonso urgently wanting to strengthen his defence having seen it torn apart by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup this week.
While the 26-year-old is viewed as a 'priority' for Real, Liverpool's tough stance is likely to make any deal difficult.
Liverpool Won't Consider Low Bids for Konate
They want their €50m valuation met
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate
According to the report by Fichajes, Liverpool have been clear that unless Real make an offer of at least £43m for Konate, then he won't be going anywhere in this transfer window.
Of course, the Reds would ideally like more for the central defender - described as 'world-class' by journalist Andy Jones on the Walk on podcast - but that is difficult in itself given the player has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
Still, the Merseyside club are not in the mood to give clubs like Real discounts for their star, especially after losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to them on a free already.
Real will now decide whether they are going to accelerate a deal now or simply wait 12 months when they may be able to get him for nothing instead.
Konate Has Told Real Madrid He's Keen to Join
Spanish club know they hold an advantagekonate
The report adds that Konate himself has already 'expressed an interest' in joining former Reds teammate Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabeu - whether that would be now or next summer.
While Real aren't willing to pay what Liverpool are demanding this summer, they also know that because of the player's desire to join them they have an advantage should it materialise that the player does become available as a free agent next year.
Marc Guehi's statistics for Crystal Palace this season
Fichajes end their report by saying that the ball is now in Liverpool's court, with the Reds also seemingly already looking at potential replacements given their interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
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All statistics according to Transfermarkt - correct as of 11-07-25.