Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool are currently enjoying a successful season despite having to contend with speculation surrounding the future of three key members of their squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah are all at risk of leaving the club for nothing when their current deals expire at the end of the season.
While the uncertainty surrounding the key trio has drawn significant speculation, there is also some doubt about the long-term future of centre-back Konate, who is out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
The defender is yet to put pen to paper to the fresh terms that Liverpool have put on the table, leaving him at risk of entering the final year of his contract.
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PSG, Real Madrid keen on Konate
According to The Times, there are 'whispers growing about interest' in Konate from European giants PSG and Real Madrid.
Konate's potential suitors will both be keeping a close eye on his contract situation ahead of the summer transfer window.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions are seemingly keen to add to their current central defensive options which include Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and Presnel Kimpembe.
As for Real Madrid, they are looking to sign a new centre-back after seeing their lack of depth tested during the current campaign.
Eder Militao is on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while David Alaba only recently returned from a long layoff.
Los Blancos also want to refresh their centre-back options, with the club mindful that Antonio Rudiger and Alaba are both in their thirties.
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Konate's importance to Liverpool
From Liverpool's perspective, they will be determined to finalise a new contract to retain Konate's services even if Van Dijk signs a new deal at the club.
The Reds will be aware that they may have to replace Van Dijk at some point in the next few years given the fact that he is set to turn 34 in July.
In contrast, Konate is only 25 and could potentially be a key figure in the centre of Liverpool's defence for many years to come.
The former RB Leipzig man has been a regular fixture in Arne Slot's side this season, having started 26 of his 29 competitive matches.
Konate is ultimately one of the main factors behind the Premier League leaders boasting the second-best defensive record with just 26 goals conceded.
