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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has entered the final 12 months of his contract, meaning he could leave Anfield for free next summer if no new deal is agreed.

The situation comes after Trent Alexander-Arnold allowed his deal to run down, and the Reds are determined to avoid a repeat scenario.

Konate’s contract status has attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the 25-year-old still viewed as having his best years ahead of him.

While the Premier League champions could consider cashing in this summer –  a stance similar to Crystal Palace’s position on Marc Guehi –  the current plan at Anfield is to keep the France centre-back.

Manager Arne Slot has maintained a long-term interest in Guehi, who recently captained Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield success.

The Reds are also pushing to sign Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, regarded as a promising talent for the future if they can beat Inter Milan to his signature.

However, any defensive reinforcements are not intended as replacements for Konate.

Slot has faced questions over his centre-back options after Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and fresh injury concerns for Joe Gomez.

The Dutchman insists he has enough cover but admits the club would be ready to act if the right deal presented itself  – with Guehi fitting that profile.

Palace’s inability to tie Guehi down to a new contract means they cannot demand a huge fee, and chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged they may be forced to sell.

Konate turned down Liverpool’s initial offer of an extension, but further negotiations are planned.

Talks were delayed last year as the club prioritised securing new deals for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

According to Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, Liverpool will offer Ibrahima Konate a new contract in the next few days.

However, if it is rejected, the Reds will likely sell the defender this summer.

Read more: Liverpool defender a doubt for Bournemouth game

Joe Gomez injury update ahead of Bournemouth clash

Why Liverpool are racing to secure Giovanni Leoni

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