Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Premier League season ended as it began for Ibrahima Konate, with doubts over his long-term Liverpool future.

In between, though, there was no question he was the first-choice centre-back partner to skipper Virgil van Dijk.

More accurate would be to describe it as a season of two parts for the France international, with a line marked in the sand when he was caught during injury time of the Champions League win over Real Madrid by a petulant challenge from substitute Endrick.

That caused a six-week spell out with a knee injury.

While Konate fully recovered fitness, he was never quite able to regain the momentum and consistent form of the opening months.

READ MORE:Florian Wirtz has obvious answer to tricky Liverpool question that annoyed himREAD MORE:Liverpool braced for Andy Robertson transfer bid as Atletico Madrid consider move

To think he had began the campaign on the bench with Jarell Quansah preferred by new boss Arne Slot for the Premier League opener at Ipswich Town.

Slot, though, had seen enough during a goalless first half to remove Quansah at the break for Konate, who helped Liverpool to a 2-0 win.

It says much that Konate went on to start all bar one Premier League game for which he was available, a mainstay in the team that dominated the opposition to win a 20th championship for Liverpool.

The France international was in excellent form during the early months, the highlights of which were performances in the 3-0 win at Manchester United and the 2-2 draw at nearest challengers Arsenal.

There were also important goals at AC Milan in the Champions League and Wolves in the top flight.

Article continues below

On his return from injury in New Year, however, Konate couldn't quite reach the same heights consistently.

He is now approaching the last 12 months of his deal and while progress was made during talks in late May, the longer an impasse continues the more speculation will inevitably increase.

Article continues below

Konate will be 27 at the end of next season and approaching his prime years as a centre-back, with both Paris Saint-Germain and particularly Real Madrid rumoured to be interested in taking him for nothing next summer.

The Reds would rather avoid such a situation.
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.