One of the top sources in Spain has revealed that Liverpool have \u2018given up\u2019 on keeping Ibrahima Konate amid interest from Real Madrid, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the French media and TEAMtalk sources have provided an entirely different take on the situation<\/p>\n
Konate<\/a> is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season, and Madrid are determined to secure his services as a free agent next summer. Marca, the number one source for Real Madrid transfer stories with close ties to the club\u2019s hierarchy, has claimed that Konate is Los Blancos\u2019 number one centre-back target in 2026.<\/p>\n The Spanish media have been adamant that Konate will leave Liverpool, and that has been reiterated in AS<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Spanish publication, which, like Marca, is one of the best sources on Real Madrid<\/a> news, has revealed that Liverpool believe that the France international centre-back will not be at Anfield next summer.<\/p>\n The report notes: \u201cKonate, a Liverpool<\/a> player like\u00a0Trent (Alexander-Arnold)\u00a0before him, has chosen a cautious approach regarding\u00a0Real Madrid\u00a0\u2018s interest.<\/p>\n \u201cStep by step. Cautiously, but surely. In fact, at\u00a0Anfield,\u00a0they\u2019ve given up on him.\u201d<\/p>\n However, this latest update in the Real Madrid media on Konate does not tally with what is being reported elsewhere.<\/p>\n Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano<\/a> has reported that Liverpool are still in talks with the 26-year-old and are waiting for a final decision.<\/p>\n Romano told GiveMeSport<\/a> when asked if Liverpool are any closer to discovering where Konate\u2019s future likes beyond the season: \u201cNot yet, there are talks ongoing but still no decision made on player side. Liverpool are waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n Sources have also told TEAMtalk that Liverpool remain confident that Konate will sign a new deal<\/a>, with the club\u2019s sporting director, Richard Hughes, determined to make sure that he does not leave on a free transfer.<\/p>\n READ NEXT\u00a0<\/strong>\ud83d\udd34 Kylian Mbappe \u2018personally\u2019 tells Real Madrid to sign Liverpool star who\u2019s \u2018one of the best in the world\u2019 \u2013 report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Ibrahima Konate open to Liverpool stay \u2013 sources<\/strong><\/p>\n TEAMtalk\u2019s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Liverpool are planning to hand Konate a short extension to protect his value.<\/p>\n Konate, who has won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup (twice) with Liverpool so far in his career, is also open to extending his stay at the defending English champions, although he is aware that Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich are all chasing his signature.<\/p>\n Fletcher said: \u201cSources reveal the club intends to open talks over a \u2018short extension\u2019 \u2013 likely 12 to 18 months \u2013 to protect his value and buy time for succession planning.<\/p>\n \u201cSporting director Richard Hughes is keen to avoid a repeat of the Joel Matip scenario, where a key centre-back departed for free. However, sources are\u00a0pragmatic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIbou loves Liverpool, but he wants guarantees \u2013 minutes, trophies, and a project,\u201d one insider has told TEAMtalk. \u201cIf the right deal comes, he\u2019ll listen.\u201d<\/p>\n French publication, L\u2019Equipe<\/a>, has revealed that Liverpool have offered a new contract offer to Konate\u2019s agent in recent days.<\/p>\n The Merseyside club are said to be \u2018privately confident about the outcome of the discussions\u2019.<\/p>\n Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Arsenal hijack attempt, Tottenham raid<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Arsenal are \u2018trying to persuade\u2019 a playmaker to turn down the chance to move to Real Madrid<\/a> and switch to the Emirates Stadium instead.<\/p>\n A top Spanish source has revealed whether or not Real Madrid will sack Xabi Alonso<\/a> as their manager, despite the Barcelona media being mischievous.<\/p>\n