Arne Slot drops Ibrahima Konate contract hint as Liverpool decision nears

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Liverpool is determined to secure the Frenchman's future and has verified that negotiations are underway.During his press conference last week, Slot revealed: "We are in talks with him, so that tells you what we want. It's clear we would like him to stay, but negotiations are ongoing, so let's see where that ends.

We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay."READ MORE: Liverpool injury boost is coming - and it's perfect timing for Arne SlotREAD MORE: Liverpool told how Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo will react to Rio Ngumoha emergenceReal Madrid has been associated with a possible free transfer for the 26-year-old when the campaign concludes, though reports toward the end of last year suggested the Spanish team had approached Liverpool directly to confirm it wouldn't be chasing another prominent Anfield signing after its pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Liverpool encountered a similar situation last year when both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's deals were set to expire at the campaign's conclusion; nevertheless, Slot regularly refused to offer continuous updates on the duo's discussions until agreements were imminent.Therefore, Slot publicly addressing the club's ambition to retain Konate could prove significant.Konate is out of contract in the summer(Image: Getty Images)The Frenchman has endured an inconsistent campaign but has demonstrated encouraging form in recent matches, including during the 4-1 triumph against Newcastle late last month.Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 before next campaign commences, has revealed he's keen for his defensive partner to remain at the club past the current season's end."We are friends, we speak about everything," he said. "It's a process, and let's see what comes out of it.

It's never that easy."We saw with my situation last year, so it's never that easy that we can just say, 'Let's get it done.'"It's a process, and let's see what comes out of it. That's what everyone sees, but off the pitch as well, he's one of the leaders."He's outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class center-back."Considering van Dijk's age, Liverpool will undoubtedly be determined to retain Konate.The Reds have, nevertheless, taken proactive steps to construct a defence for the future, having invested substantial funds in center-halves Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet in recent transfer windows.