**Arne Slot insists Liverpool have not given up hope of renewing Ibrahima Konate.**
Konate is set to become a free agent at the end of this season with no solution reached on extending his time at Anfield beyond the current five-year contract.
The France international has given little away about the current state of play despite [the Reds signing Jeremy Jacquet last month](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/63392-liverpool-snare-chelsea-with-deadline-day-deal-jeremy-jacquet/) as a potential long-term replacement.
But Slot is adamant that Konate remains a vital component for the fallen Premier League champions alongside centre-back partner and captain Virgil van Dijk.
“Ibou has had a very good spell recently,” said the Liverpool head coach.
“He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal.
“His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.
“But he is having a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood.
“These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.”
He added: “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want.
“It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”