Speaking on the latest Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has been discussing Liverpool’s reported interest in the RB Leipzig defender, Ibrahima Konate.
The Reds were linked with Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano in January, however, Bayern Munich beat them to the defender who will join the Bundesliga leaders in the summer.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp has turned his attention to one of the German side’s other centre-backs in Konate, and Romano believes the Anfield side will make a push for him in the summer.
Speaking on the matter, Romano had this to say about any developments in discussions between the two parties.
He said: “From Liverpool, the position is, ‘Okay, we are negotiating with the player for a five-year contract.’ They are convinced that Konate would be perfect because they liked the player, they liked the skills, they are convinced that he has the potential to be better than Upamecano.
“They are looking at his physical condition because they want to be 100% sure about the injuries and everything. It’s not a done deal, it’s not signed but they are negotiating with the player and they are convinced that he will be a top target.
“So it’s release clause or nothing because Leipzig say we don’t want to negotiate about the price, or you pay €40m release clause or the player is going to stay one season more, so this is the position, it’s up to Liverpool, they are negotiating with the player, let’s see how he develops in the coming days but for sure, I would say he’s the main target as centre-back.”
Konate has only made nine appearances for Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season, however, Transfermarkt have the French defender valued at £31.5m ahead of the summer transfer window.
The defender joined Leipzig in 2017 from the French side FC Sochaux on a free transfer but could now be in line for a summer switch according to what the Italian journalist had to say.
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
Liverpool have been hindered hugely by their defensive injuries sustained this season. There is no doubt they have had rotten luck in the number of injuries sustained to key players, however, it has highlighted frailties in their squad which has meant their title hopes have disappeared as they currently sit in seventh spot.
Romano’s comments will certainly be music to the ears of Liverpool fans with the prospect of another starting centre-back arriving at the club in the summer helping their nerves ahead of next season as they look to get their hands back on the title.
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