Liverpool remain in ongoing negotiations with Ibrahima Konate’s representatives regarding a new contract, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot who is keen for the centre-back to extend his tenure at Anfield. Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, is nearing the end of his current deal. The Reds have been in talks with the French international’s agents for over a year now.

Real Madrid are interested despite claims they reached out to Liverpool last year to assure them they wouldn’t poach another star player following their pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Konate remains a key figure at Anfield. Despite an inconsistent season, he has recently shown improved form, delivering standout performances in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Sunderland and their 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. Following the Sunderland match, captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his hope that his defensive partner would remain at the club beyond this season.

Addressing Konate’s future, Slot stated: “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.

“It’s just as good from Ibou as from Virgil (to stay fit), I’m sure there is a difference in age and that sometimes plays a part as well. Ibou has had a very good spell recently.

“He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.

“But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.”

Meanwhile, Slot has brushed off concerns about Mohamed Salah’s goalscoring form since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations last month. The Egyptian, who has netted just six times this season, hasn’t found the back of the net in the Premier League since a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on November 1.

However, the Liverpool boss remains confident in last season’s top scorer, stating: “There could be multiple reasons for that. It could be the opponent is even more aware of his threat after such a great season last season, or having so many different right backs behind him for the whole season has influenced that dynamic.

“I could come up with five or six more reasons. What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league.

“I also see us being able to bring our forwards, and not only Mo, into very promising positions in many games. So it will be a combination of factors. Even last season Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn’t score. So let’s see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists.”