Much like the Liverpool academy product, Konate’s contract runs out this summer, meaning he could join the Spanish capital as a free agent. These suggestions have emerged despite previous reports claiming that Madrid had cooled their pursuit of the defender. Nevertheless, this situation may have shifted as Real are said to harbour concerns about the fitness of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER claim that Konate features on an extensive list of potential replacements for the three players.

The European powerhouses have reportedly been ‘accelerating’ their discussions with prospective signings ahead of this summer. Konate has experienced a challenging season, having been instrumental last term when Arne Slot guided the Reds to Premier League glory in his maiden campaign.

Alexander-Arnold also contributed to the success, despite departing the club amid contentious circumstances. There have also been claims from Spain suggesting his future with the Spanish giants remains in doubt.

Regardless, the season has certainly not unfolded as he had envisioned before joining the club. He has featured in 11 matches throughout the campaign, excluding this summer’s Club World Cup, where he registered two assists across five fixtures.

At the beginning of December, he sustained a muscular quadricep problem during the win against Athletic Club. He hasn’t featured for the club in over two months.

Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been utilising midfielder Federico Valverde in the right-back position and can now also rely on club skipper Dani Carvajal, who has returned to fitness. Given these circumstances, it could prove a challenging task for the England international.

Alexander-Arnold’s aspirations of representing England at the World Cup also appear to be fading. He has earned just one cap for the Three Lions since Thomas Tuchel took charge.

The right-back was omitted from England’s World Cup squad in 2022 and played a limited role in the Euro 2024 journey to the final, where he was deployed as a central midfielder.

Tuchel also revealed last year that Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool teammate Jarrell Quansah is higher up in the pecking order, with the ex-Reds academy product impressing at Bayer Leverkusen.