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La Liga champions Barcelona have on Thursday been credited with an interest in a player long linked with a move to arch rivals Real Madrid.
The player in question? Ibrahima Konaté.
The name of defender Konaté has of course long proven a prominent one in the Spanish media headlines.
This comes amid the understanding that the Frenchman has been [earmarked as a leading target](https://as.com/futbol/primera/konate-puerta-abierta-al-madrid-n/) on the part of Real Madrid.
Ahead of the expiration of Konaté’s contract terms with Liverpool next summer, Los Blancos are understood to have earmarked the stopper as a market opportunity, much like they did with ex-Reds teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
In turn, it will no doubt mark a source of concern for those behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu to learn of a new, and altogether familiar suitor joining the race for Konaté.
As per a report from English outlet Caught Offside:
‘Ibrahima Konaté is emerging as a serious target for Chelsea and Barcelona. There could soon be a ‘final’ round of talks with Liverpool over a new contract.’
> 🚨 BREAKING 🚨Ibrahima Konate is emerging as a serious target for Chelsea and Barcelona ⚠There could soon be a 'final' round of talks with Liverpool over a new contract 👀
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> More to follow… [pic.twitter.com/bzQBVHzBqR](https://t.co/bzQBVHzBqR)