Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate 'talks' held amid five-way battle for Ajax wonderkid

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The deadline day arrival finally made his first appearance of the season on Monday for Sweden, and will soon be linking up with his new clubmates as he returns to Merseyside this week.

Despite the transfer window now being closed, rumors are still rife about who Liverpool might be targeting next, while speculation continues over some of the current members of Arne Slot's squad.

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Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has held talks with Ibrahima Konate's representatives during the international break as the club looks to push through a new contract, according to TBR Football.

It's claimed that Konate's camp insists they have not reached an agreement with Real Madrid or any other club, with Liverpool still hopeful that the French international will sign a new deal at Anfield.

Real, though, is said to be monitoring Konate's situation, with less than 12 months now remaining on his current contract, while the Spanish giant is also said to be expected to join the race for Marc Guehi if, as expected, he becomes available for free next summer.

Liverpool.com says: Take this report with a large grain of salt, but it would make sense for Liverpool to be speaking to Konate about his contract now that the transfer window is out of the way.

It's important that the Reds can gauge just where they stand with the defender, especially since his stance could have a bearing on the club's subsequent transfer business

These things take time, but hopefully Liverpool will be able to get an answer on Konate's future one way or another soon.

Aaron Bouwman (Ajax)

Liverpool is among a host of clubs tracking Ajax wonderkid Aaron Bouwman, according to TEAMtalk

As well as the Reds, Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Manchester City are also said to be in the running for the 18-year-old center-back.

Bouwman has already made his senior debut for Ajax this season, having played the full 90 minutes in the club's opening Eredivisie game against Telstar, and is being tipped for big things after coming through the ranks in Amsterdam.

Liverpool.com says: Bouwman will certainly be a name to look out for now that he looks to have broken into the senior ranks at Ajax, and having a former Liverpool coach in charge in John Heitinga could work in the Reds' favor

It is very early days for him though, and having signed Giovanni Leoni in the summer, for the time being, the Italian will be the focus.