Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate have reportedly continued talks over a new contract, with the Merseyside club hopeful of an agreement with the 26-year-old French international.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Ibrahima Konate is the subject of interest of Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back next summer. So, the 26-year-old Liverpool defender is Los Blancos’ top target.

However, the Premier League champions are determined to tie the Frenchman to a new contract, with talks between the two parties continuing this week. Richard Hughes and other members of Liverpool’s hierarchy have engaged in discussions with Konate’s representatives, with the Merseyside outfit optimistic about securing an agreement with him.

Ibrahima Konate and his expiring contract

Ibrahima Konate has become a household name since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2021. The 26-year-old has made considerable progress in the last four years, forging a formidable central defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk. That has helped him become a regular for his club and country.

The French international has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for Liverpool while chipping in with five goals and four assists. However, Konate’s long-term future is uncertain, as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract with the Merseyside outfit. The situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.

Will Real Madrid sign Konate next summer?

Real Madrid’s interest in Ibrahima Konate makes sense. The Spanish giants bolstered their defensive unit by signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window. However, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are on the wrong side of 30, with the duo facing an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu. Additionally, Eder Militao has missed most of the last two seasons due to as many season-ending knee injuries.

So, Real Madrid can do with another centre-back, making the Liverpool mainstay a viable target. While Los Blancos briefly considered a summer move, they will pursue another Liverpool defender for a Bosman move. Recent reports have claimed that the 26-year-old Frenchman is closing in on finalising an agreement over a free transfer.

However, the Reds are working on a new deal for Konate, with talks between the parties beginning. The report has claimed that the Premier League champions are confident of striking an agreement with the French international, and they hope to keep him at Anfield beyond the 2025/26 season.