Liverpool could be forced into some unwanted sales in the near future.

The Reds have acquired smartly in the transfer window thus far and there could still be a few more additions before the new season rolls around.

Equally, there is expected to be some outgoings too, with many stars being touted with a move away, whether that be by choice or not.

Ibrahima Konate is one player whose future is very much up in the air, with the Frenchman’s Anfield contract up next summer and there being no signs of progress over a new deal.

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Liverpool’s links to Marc Guehi would suggest the Reds are worried about the potential of losing the 26-year-old for free next summer, with multiple clubs very interested.

However, if he is to leave, his next club could not be more obvious, with the player himself already having a preferred destination.

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Losing a player on a free transfer is one of the most frustrating things for any club, and it is something Liverpool know all too well after the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation.

Many would think that they would be keen to never let this happen again, but it looks as if history is about to repeat itself, in very quick succession too.

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According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Konate has made it clear that if he is to depart Liverpool, he only wants to join Real Madrid.

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The report states that he believes the Spanish capital is the best and only place to progress his career, although he may have to wait a year as they do not currently need another centre-back.

The Frenchman is said to have interest from Saudi Arabian clubs as well and they have already made contact with his representatives over a potential move, but Konate is keen to continue playing at the very highest level.

If he is to wait a year like the report states, then Liverpool would fail to get any money for him, meaning they have a very big decision to make.

The Reds are almost guaranteed to make a loss on ‘Ibou’, but it makes sense to at least get a little bit of money for him this summer.

This should also be driven by the fact that they have a more than adequate replacement already waiting in the wings, with Guehi available at a cut-price too.

Guehi wants to be assured minutes next season as he wants to be in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, something he will be able to get with Konate out of the way.

The 24-year-old is also younger than the Frenchman and has all the traits needed to succeed at Anfield, meaning this switch makes a whole lot of sense.

It is far from ideal as Liverpool would probably prefer to keep Konate, but if they cannot control his future, they should act quickly to regain control of their own.