Liverpool news as a key player closes in on a new contract and Ibrahima Konate continues to consider his Anfield future
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai remains in talks with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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With more than three months still remaining in the season, significant decisions are already being considered at Liverpool. The Reds will be keen to avoid repeating the errors that have contributed to such a disappointing title defence.
That said, there remains plenty to compete for. Qualifying for the Champions League is an absolute necessity, while Arne Slot's side are still in contention in UEFA's premier club competition. Success in the FA Cup would also provide a welcome boost.
Looking further ahead, the Reds are evaluating the futures of several players, including some whose contracts are due to expire in just a few months. Here's a round-up of the latest Liverpool news...
Bumper pay rise
The Reds are reportedly nearing a deal to reward Dominik Szoboszlai, who is midway through a five-year contract, for his outstanding season with a substantial new deal.
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Szoboszlai, who has shone at right-back amid a defensive injury crisis, has been among Slot's most reliable performers. The 25-year-old Hungarian has stressed his desire to remain and negotiations have been ongoing for some time.
According to several reports, those negotiations are approaching a breakthrough, which would see Szoboszlai become one of the club's top earners on approximately £250,000 per week. Szoboszlai has been clear, however, that he doesn't view right-back as his permanent position and is keen to move back into midfield.
He said recently: "Not long-term, not even medium-term to be honest in my head. As I've said before I'm a midfielder and hopefully our right-back is going to come back from injury and I can get back in the middle."
Real in Konate U-turn
Rumours linking Real Madrid with Ibrahima Konate continue to persist.
It was claimed at the end of last year that the Spanish heavyweights had pulled out of the race for the French defender, whose deal runs out at the end of the season. However, ESPN have reported that Real remain keen on Konate, who is still in discussions with Liverpool over fresh terms.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate's future is up in the air(Image: Getty Images)
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Speaking ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester City, Slot confirmed that negotiations between the club and Konate's camp were continuing.
With an agreement for him to remain at Anfield seemingly not imminent, Real Madrid have a prime opportunity to swoop, given they are now able to speak with the player directly, bolstering Konate's bargaining power.
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