Liverpool fear Real Madrid have turned Ibrahima Konate's head and act fast on transfer
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Ibrahima Konate continues to be linked with Real Madrid.
(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's concerns that centre-back Ibrahima Konate could be lured away by Real Madrid are fuelling their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi before the transfer window shuts.
This situation mirrors the drawn-out drama of Trent Alexander-Arnold running down his contract before making a bargain £8.5million move to the Bernabeu ahead of the Club World Cup earlier this summer, with Anfield insiders believing that Konate is keen to follow in the full-back's footsteps to Madrid when he becomes a free agent next summer, according to The Mirror.
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Unlike Alexander-Arnold, however, the 25-year-old French international has seen a worrying dip in form - leading manager Arne Slot to prioritise signing England star Guehi as much as securing Newcastle's £150million-rated want-away forward Alexander Isak before Monday night's deadline.
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Having conceded two goals in each of their opening two Premier League matches - and with Konate's performances against both Bournemouth and Newcastle causing concern at Anfield - the champions are set to intensify their efforts to secure both Isak and Guehi within the next 24 hours.
With less than a year remaining on his current contract, the Palace captain is also refusing to sign a new deal.
Liverpool are reluctant to shell out more than £30m for the 25-year-old, especially given the possibility of losing Konate on a free transfer next summer, just four years after they paid RB Leipzig £36m for him.
The Merseyside club has already snapped up Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a cool £26m this summer, and the 18-year-old is tipped for greatness.
However, Slot is keen to add more experience to his defence, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Marc Guehi is a primary target for Liverpool.
(Image: Getty Images)
Given Joe Gomez's ongoing struggles following an Achilles problem picked up during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia, it's believed that Guehi could bolster their chances of retaining the Premier League title and making a strong Champions League run.
It's thought that Palace will be willing to negotiate once they've secured a replacement, with Manchester City's Manuel Akanji on their radar.
Konate will have the opportunity to prove his early-season slump is just a blip when Liverpool take on title contenders Arsenal at Anfield.
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Arsenal's new £67m forward Viktor Gykores found his stride with a brace in the thrashing of Leeds last weekend, following a lacklustre debut against Manchester United.
Liverpool had to rely on late goals to secure victories over Bournemouth and a 10-man Newcastle after squandering leads in both matches - and Slot is a manager who values defensive stability.
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