'I'm told': David Ornstein shares what he's now hearing about Liverpool's contract talks with Ibrahima Konate

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Liverpool have been trying to tie Ibrahima Konate down to a new deal with interest mounting from Spain.The French centre-back has been with the club for four years now and has not signed an extension to stay with the club past his contract’s end date in the summer of 2026.Konate has been a brilliant defender for the Reds since joining, but recently his form has dipped alongside the team, which have led to errors in defensive areas.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesThere has been concern from Liverpool fans that with Real Madrid seeking to sign the 26-year-old on a free next year, like they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold, it has affected his performances on the pitch.However, according to many reports, nothing has been agreed with either the Merseyside club or Madrid since the last transfer window.David Ornstein says Ibrahima Konate earns double £70,000 a weekIt is a difficult situation for the club, given that they will have to balance the amount they have spent in the last window and how much they already pay some of their top stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Now David Ornstein has issued a fresh update on the contract situation of the star before Arne Slot’s side face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.READ MORE: Liverpool force Real Madrid to step up Ibrahima Konate chase with new £53m planThe journalist revealed in the update that no contracts have been rejected by Konate, but has also explained that reports on his wages being in the £70,000 region are inaccurate.Speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein said: “On Konate, that’s a really interesting topic because there have been reports he’s rejected a new contract. Of course, he’s into his final 12 months.

I don’t think it’s so much a rejection. Suggestions, he’s on around £70,000 a week.

I’m told it’s more than double that. 5 this season has struggled with his form, and while he is clearly a world-class talent, at the moment, he seems far away from the defender who Liverpool fans have begun to adore.If the club’s hierarchy were to ward off Madrid with a fresh contract extension, it would be a real show of strength, but given the talk around different options being explored, such as Dayot Upamecano or Marc Guehi, Konate will need to improve quickly.READ MORE: Dayot Upamecano rumours confirmed as Liverpool aim to do some ‘pretty good business’It is hoped that his form improves because it would be a real shame to lose him, but clearly, the club and Slot have started to become more ruthless in their decision-making, especially when it comes to top players.A more consistent level of play is needed for the young star to show he should remain at the club, and that form will definitely come, having seen glimpses this season.But maybe he and the club have made up their minds, and this season could mark the end of an impressive time on Merseyside.