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CREDIT: IMAGO IMAGES

Barcelona have reportedly made a move in the transfer market by holding preliminary talks with a Liverpool defender’s close affiliates.

Barcelona are reportedly in the market for a central defender after losing Íñigo Martínez earlier this summer.

With only four senior centre-back options left, the club is expected to move for reinforcements sooner rather than later.

Financial troubles mean Barcelona cannot freely splash out on transfer fees, so they are paying close attention to players who could be available as free agents.

Another Spanish side is also in the mix, with their stronger financial position allowing them to push aggressively for the same targets.

This has created a tense situation in the market, with both Spanish clubs reportedly circling the same names.

One of those names is now attracting attention at both ends of El Clasico.

And while his current club want him to stay, uncertainty over a new contract has put his future under the spotlight.

26-year-old Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is entering the final year of his current deal and has yet to agree on an extension.

According to a report from Sempre Barca, Barcelona have already held initial discussions with his “inner circle,” while Real Madrid are also monitoring developments.

The reports read, “As per our sources, the Catalan giants have even held preliminary talks with the player’s inner circle.”

“Moreover, during these talks and discussions, it was revealed that Konate would not be opposed to the idea of becoming a part of the Barça project.”

“However, at least for now, his priority is to settle his current situation with Liverpool.”

“He wants to understand his role and importance at the club, and if the English side is willing to give him the contract that could convince him to stay in the Premier League.”

Konate’s existing contract, signed in 2021, is worth around £70,000 per week.

According to reports, he is “aiming for a significantly higher wage, seeking a new deal in the region of £200,000 per week.”

There is frustration on the player’s side about Liverpool’s early proposals.

As reported, “Konate has been disappointed by Liverpool’s initial contract offers, with his representatives pushing for a greater guaranteed base salary rather than a structure heavily reliant on performance-related incentives and bonuses.”

Liverpool, for their part, want clarity.

That stands to be in line with an exclusive report by DaveOCKOP  that “Liverpool is trying to extend his deal before the summer transfer window closes.”

“The Reds want Konaté to make up his mind before the transfer window closes.”

The club does not want a repeat of last season’s long-running contract sagas involving Mohamed Salah and others.

The Anfield hierarchy is aware of the risks of letting top players run down their deals.

Liverpool know the risks of allowing a key player to run down his deal, as they experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

For now, the club has a decision to make.

Unless Konate signs fresh terms, Liverpool are likely to open the door to offers of £35 million and above, preferring that option to losing him for nothing at the end of his deal.

With Real Madrid ready to pounce and Barcelona quietly positioning themselves, the coming weeks could prove decisive for both Liverpool and Konate’s future.

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