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Liverpool have re-opened talks with Ibrahima Konate in an attempt to try and tie him down to a new long-term contract, Rousing The Kop understands.

Liverpool have enjoyed an outstanding summer transfer window under Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes’ stewardship with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez already secured.

However, whilst transfers have been going well, they have had a major issue brewing with Konate.

Sources: Isak open to exit amid Liverpool interest	Liverpool makes Ibrahima Konate contract decision amid Real Madrid transfer interest	Ibrahima Konate’s “priority is to renew” Liverpool contract

As RTK previously revealed, Liverpool have been growing concerned over Konate’s contract situation, with the Frenchman now into the final year of his deal.

Konate has thus far rebuffed Liverpool’s offers, but RTK have been told that the 26-year-old is in theory open to a new deal.

Nevertheless, Konate firmly believes he should be one of the league’s best paid central defenders.

With the two parties unable to come to a middle ground agreement, talks have been at a standstill.

Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Konate became a bedrock of Arne Slot’s Premier League title-winning team last season, and Liverpool understand the need for him to improve his terms.

And RTK can now confirm that fresh talks have taken place this week between Liverpool and Konate’s camp.

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Liverpool are offering what they believe to be a good contract and one they hope will be enough for him to re-sign.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak likely to join Liverpool as Newcastle set for £150m decision

In the meantime, Liverpool are aware that a number of rivals, including Real Madrid, are interested in Konate, given he could leave on a free transfer next summer.

RTK can confirm that as well as being in discussion with Liverpool, Konate’s camp have had contact with Real, together with other clubs who are assessing his situation, including Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich.

While Liverpool are working to come to an agreement with Konate, the Reds are also keeping one eye on the transfer market.

Marc Guehi has been heavily mentioned as a target for this summer, however, RTK have been told that a move for the Crystal Palace captain is much more likely to arrive in a year’s time.

Instead, Liverpool are understood to be targeting a younger centre-back as a matter of priority, as they aim to replace Jarell Quansah.

RTK have been informed that a move for Guehi this summer would only be considered if Konate was sold, which is deemed as unlikely to happen as things stand.
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