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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate(Image: Nikki Dyer – LFC\/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\nLatest Liverpool transfer news and rumours with updates on Ibrahima Konate’s contract and Marc Guehi interestLiverpool defender Ibrahima Konate(Image: Nikki Dyer – LFC\/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Liverpool’s next test after the impending arrival of Hugo Ekitike may be to resolve the burning issue at the heart of their defence. Whilst they eye one player whose contract is expiring next year, one of their own is in the same position and if not careful the door could be left ajar for his departure.<\/p>\n
That is of course a reference to the situation linking Marc Guehi and Ibrahima Konate<\/a>. With regards to the former, the Crystal Palace and England defender is very much admired on Merseyside, as the ECHO<\/strong> previously stated, but a waiting game is afoot<\/a> as when the Reds could be forced to overspend in the present day, later down the line they could pick up a talented player for no cost at all.<\/p>\n The scenario works in reverse with Konate, as Liverpool<\/a> cling onto one year of contract with the French central defender amid the current possibility that he could be tempted away in tandem.<\/p>\n READ MORE: I lost my star striker to Liverpool – Alexander Isak’s head will have been turned by transfer talk<\/a>READ MORE: Liverpool can get what they want out of Luis Diaz Bayern Munich saga with \u00a326m sacrifice<\/a><\/p>\n Here, the ECHO<\/strong> looks at the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours based on these delicate situations.<\/p>\n Ibrahima Konate talks<\/p>\n French publication L’Equipe<\/a> report that talks between Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes<\/a>, Konate and his representatives have recommenced upon the player’s return to Merseyside from his summer break.<\/p>\n The defender, 26, had said at the start of the year he had been given a renewal offer though no breakthrough has been confirmed amid reports of Real Madrid interest<\/a>.<\/p>\n But the latest word suggests willingness to sit down and discuss staying at Anfield from both sides of the table. It is said counter-offers have been sent back and forth recently.<\/p>\n So, Hughes ‘is aware of’ what the player desires and next it would appear to rest with him to ‘provide an answer’.<\/p>\n Marc Guehi competition<\/p>\n As mentioned, Guehi is on the Reds’ radar but they will take a patient look at the situation before deciding whether action is required this summer.<\/p>\n