Liverpool latest: Konate contract update issued as Ekitike reveals Messi influence

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An update on his contract circumstances features in our latest Liverpool news round-up, alongside Hugo Ekitike's most recent noteworthy remarks.Konate contract updateWhilst much of the transfer activity conducted at Anfield in recent years deserves praise, allowing contracts to enter their final year has been a persistent issue. The Frenchman harbours significant ambitions, telling TNT Sports: "I think I can [be one of the world's best strikers]."I think I can, there's like room for improvement, I have to work more and progress but obviously like I am where I want to be.

I am here and when I say I am not scared of anything, I don't fear pressure or people having expectations of me."I actually love that, to be here, playing games, being involved in big competitions, I always wanted to be there and playing those kinds of games, being at such a big club. So that is why I said [I have no fear] and I still feel the same."Only 23, he possesses experience across three of Europe's top five leagues and during his spell at PSG, he had the opportunity to learn from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

Not even skills, I learned how to move without the ball, how to touch the ball, how to score goals and gain confidence in games."Obviously when I look back, it was not a great time for me, but it was what I needed at that time. I learned so much, honestly I am so grateful to have been there with such great players and when I look back there is a great picture that I can put in my house because I played with the best player in the world, in the history of football.