Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their quest to hand Ibrahima Konate a new contract, according to Sports Boom.
The Reds are expecting to have yet another busy summer transfer window at the end of this season, after spending a record-breaking £440m last year on several new signings, before a disappointing campaign which sees them currently sitting sixth in the Premier League and facing a battle to qualify for the Champions League quarter-final after a first-leg defeat to Galatasaray in midweek.
Defence is expected to be a priority area to strengthen in the market, with lots of change expected, but there is now fresh hope they could keep hold of Konate beyond this season.
Liverpool and Konate Want to Renew
Ibrahima Konate
Konate has been the subject of lots of speculation over the last 12 months or so, with the France international currently set to be out of contract at Anfield once this season ends.
The former Leipzig man has attracted attention from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, and despite the season having less than three months to run, there has been no agreement found between Liverpool chiefs and the player over an extension.
But it has now emerged that Konate is prioritising staying on Merseyside next season over making a move away, as he wants to continue to be a regular for Liverpool.
Talks have been ongoing for a while, but negotiations have stalled, which has given Real Madrid and Bayern encouragement that a deal could be done to take the player away from the Premier League on a free transfer.
It's understood that Konate's wage demands are the biggest stumbling block in negotiations currently, but with all parties hoping to work towards an agreement, there is now confidence that a deal can be done.
Liverpool Need Konate to Stay
konate
While Konate has had his moments of poor form this season, there is no doubting that he is one of the better central defenders in the Premier League, and keeping him would be a huge boost for the club going into next season.
A new long-term contract would be ideal for all parties, but especially Liverpool, considering Virgil Van Dijk, Curtis Jones, Alisson, and Mohamed Salah's contracts will all be expiring in 2027.
Keeping Konate secures a key player during what will undoubtedly be a transition period, but also means it's one less signing that is needed, with Jeremy Jacquet already secured as part of the squad to add competition and quality in defence.
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