Liverpool are already making plans for the upcoming summer transfer window, but those plans may well be altered after David Ornstein's most recent update.
The Reds sit four points ahead of sixth-place in the Premier League table with two games remaining following their 1-1 draw with Chelsea this past weekend, putting them on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League after what has been a disappointing campaign.
FSG have already made it clear that they are planning to enter the new season with Arne Slot still in charge, despite Chelsea making a move for Xabi Alonso. But while he looks to shape his squad for the new season, the club have now been hit with a blow heading into the window.
Liverpool and Konate Talks 'Not Positive'
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool have been locked in talks with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract over the last 12 months, with reports recently emerging that the France international had 'never been closer' to signing a new deal.
Konate's current contract at Anfield is due to expire this summer, and there has been interest from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in his services should he move on from the club. And now, that is looking more like a possibility, with reliable journalist David Ornstein revealing while on NBC Sports that talks have reached a stalemate.
"Liverpool will look to do more work in the transfer market," he said.
"But one of the uncertain situations involves Ibrahima Konate, who's out of contract at the end of this season. As I understand it, the situation is still at a stalemate, and it's not looking particularly positive, although, until either side walks away, there is still hope, of course, that that could reach a positive conclusion for him to stay at Anfield."
Liverpool Need to Find Konate Agreement
Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool have already identified central defence as an area they needed to strengthen this summer, and that's why they moved early to bring in Jeremy Jacquet in January.
But with Virgil Van Dijk set to turn 35 before the new season starts, and with Joe Gomez also looking likely to be on the move this summer, keeping Konate has become essential to avoid wholesale changes in a key area of the pitch, when there are other big issues in the squad that need addressing also.
Konate has been described as 'world-class', and having a player in the prime years of his career during this transition stage is essential to keep the team competing at a high level. Losing him at this stage, and for nothing, would be disastrous.
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