Liverpool could allow an "outstanding" player to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid circling for his £50m signature.
Liverpool fail to turn up in EFL Cup final against Newcastle
After the disappointment of Champions League elimination last week, the Reds lost 2-1 to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot's side produced a flat performance throughout at Wembley, with too many players looking jaded, so Liverpool could have few qualms about the eventual result. For the boss, it was a failed opportunity to win silverware at his maiden attempt in his first season at Anfield.
Mo Salah looks dejected for Liverpool
It's now a case of the Reds knuckling down and getting the job done in the Premier League title race, and thankfully, a 16-day break before their next game could be a blessing in disguise. That is still the main aim for the season, and always has been.
The defeat to Newcastle highlighted the need for additions to Liverpool's squad when the summer window rolls around, though, with a new centre forward vital and fresh legs needed in defence, too. Now, a key current player who started against Newcastle has been linked with a move away.
"Outstanding" Liverpool ace linked with exit as Real Madrid circle
According to a report from Spain, Liverpool may entertain offers of £50m for Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season, with Real Madrid interested in snapping him up.
It is claimed that the Frenchman's "contractual situation, in addition to potential negotiation deadlock, has set a scenario where the club would not frown upon his departure if a suitable offer arises."
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Selling Konate could ultimately be the wrong decision by Liverpool, considering he is an important starter who could lead the defence once Virgil van Dijk has eventually moved on. The Dutchman hasn't yet signed a new deal, though, so there is no guarantee that he will still be at Anfield beyond June.
The 25-year-old is such an imposing centre-back when he is fit and firing, with Van Dijk hailing his quality after the 1-0 win at Wolves earlier this season:
"He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion. He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that's what asked."
The only issue with Konate is injuries, but he has already started 22 Premier League games this season - the most for Liverpool in the competition in any campaign for the club - which suggests he has hopefully overcome that problem.
Liverpool-Newcastle-Carabao-Cup-final Related
As bad as Salah: Slot must axe 4/10 Liverpool dud who's become sellable
Liverpool were terrible as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the final hurdle.
If Van Dijk stays and Konate goes, it wouldn't necessarily be a disaster for the Reds, assuming a top-quality replacement came in, but keeping hold of him is still the preferred outcome.