Liverpool in advanced talks to secure fresh deal for key defender

Ibrahima Konate is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool. 

The 26-year-old’s contract at Anfield will expire in June, and he is yet to agree a new deal with the Merseyside outfit. 

However, Fabrizio Romano reports Konate is in advanced negotiations with Liverpool over a fresh deal. 

The two parties are said to have agreed on the guaranteed salary, but they are still working on the small details of the contract. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday evening, Romano said: “The guaranteed salary is almost okay, but there are some clauses to clarify. That’s why the new contract is still not signed. That’s the point. But advancing to important stages in recent weeks. So let’s wait for the outcome of these details before we know what’s going to happen with Ibrahima Konate.”

Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window, but Crystal Palace pulled the plug on the move while the England international was having a medical. 

Guehi now plays for Manchester City, having joined the club in January.

The Reds brought in Giovanni Leoni, but the young defender suffered a serious injury in September, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign. 

Manager Arne Slot was left short of options in defence, forcing him to keep playing Virgil van Dijk and Konate almost every game despite their poor form. 

Konate was expected to leave Liverpool last summer, with Real Madrid reportedly keen on his services. 

But the French centre-back stayed at Anfield, and he has started 30 Premier League fixtures this campaign, scoring a goal. 

He now appears to be on the verge of signing a fresh deal with the Merseyside club. 

Konate has been poor at times but he is a powerful, modern defender who is highly rated for his defensive intelligence, aerial dominance and versatility. 

Stats from Transfermarkt