Liverpool have made their stance clear on Ibrahima Konate as speculation grows over his future, just a day before the new Premier League season kicks off.

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

Reports claim the Spanish giants are ready to bid, but they are unwilling to offer more than €25m this summer.

Meanwhile, another club — Chelsea — have also joined the race to sign the French defender, according to Diario AS.

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However, Konate was undoubtedly the backbone of Liverpool’s defensive unit last season.

His partnership with Virgil van Dijk was one of the key reasons behind the Reds winning the Premier League.

As Liverpool remains busy with player signings this summer, Konate might feel neglected by the club.

Multiple reports suggest he rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool last month.

Under his current deal, he earns around £70k per week at Anfield, while many of his teammates and new signings are on significantly higher wages.

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According to Empire of the Kop, Konate is set to hold “final talks” with FSG over his long-term career plans, with the Merseyside chiefs aiming to extend his current deal.

The club are prepared to offer him a substantial pay rise.

The same outlet also reported that Liverpool turned down a £43m bid from Chelsea for Konate, as they do not want to sell the defender to a domestic rival.

Looking at the current situation, it’s clear Liverpool does not want to lose its primary centre-back with the new season about to begin.

Despite signing Giovanni Leoni and reportedly targeting Marc Guehi, the Reds are still determined to keep Ibrahima Konate — at least for now.

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