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

Liverpool might consider selling key defender Ibrahima Konate, as the latest reports suggest.

The French defender was surely the backbone of the Reds’ defensive unit last season.

Konate and Van Dijk’s partnership was one of the main reasons behind winning the Premier League title.

As Liverpool remains very busy in player signings this summer, Konate might have felt neglected by the club.

He already rejected Liverpool’s new contract offers last month, as per multiple reports.

In his current deal, he earns around £70k per week at Anfield, while several of his teammates and new signings are being paid far more.

According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool and FSG “could be willing to entertain offers” of around £35m for Konate this summer, should he fail to agree to their contract extension terms.

All parties have reportedly reached a “nervous crossroads” in discussions, with Konate demanding a significant increase in his £70,000-a-week wages.

The Frenchman is believed to be pushing for closer to £200,000 per week, and has been left disappointed by Liverpool’s initial contract proposals.

ALSO READ: Alisson opens up on the hidden ‘challenge’ for Liverpool this season

Spanish outlets Marca and Diario AS both reported that the Merseyside club believe there has been contact between Ibrahima Konate and Real Madrid.

Reports say the Spanish giants are ready to make a bid, but they aren’t willing to go beyond €25m this summer.

Meanwhile, another club has also entered the race, with Diario AS claiming that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the defender.

Empire of the Kop added that Liverpool already turned down a £43m bid from Chelsea for Konate, as the club are reluctant to sell him to a domestic rival.

ALSO READ: Liverpool, Man Utd and Spurs eye the same Premier League star


For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.