Arne Slot's Ibrahima Konate contract hint after Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk actions
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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 will face Champions League rematch after controversial decisionREAD MORE: Liverpool given huge injury boost as Jeremie Frimpong returns to defensive right-back crisisReal Madrid have been linked with a move for the 26‑year‑old on a free transfer at the end of the season, though reports late last year suggested the La Liga giants had contacted Liverpool directly to make clear they would not be pursuing another high‑profile signing from Anfield following their approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold.Liverpool were in a similar situation last year with both the contracts of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk set to expire at the end of last season; however, Slot often refused to give a running commentary on the negotiations involving the pair.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageHowever, the situation with Konate appears to be different, with the Dutch boss speaking more openly about it.The Frenchman has had an up‑and‑down season but has impressed in recent weeks, including in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United late last month.While Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he is keen for his defensive partner to remain at the club past the end of the season."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.Content cannot be displayed without consent"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."Obviously I want him to stay.
He’s an important figure on the pitch. That’s what everyone sees but off the pitch as well, he’s one of the leaders.