Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate as a free agent next summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Madrid are keen to strengthen their defence as they transition into a new era under manager Xabi Alonso.
With veterans like David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger entering the latter stages of their careers and battling injuries, the club have already secured a promising defensive talent in Dean Huijsen but are still looking to bolster the backline further.
While Los Blancos would ideally like to sign Konate as a free agent next year, a summer deal could happen if they manage to offload one of their current first-team defenders.
Speaking on DAZN Fútbol, Romano said: “An agreement between Ibrahima Konate & Liverpool for a renewal is not close.
“If in the next weeks there are more complications and Liverpool decide to sell him this summer, it could be a last-minute opportunity for Real Madrid.
Earlier last week, AS reported that Liverpool would demand around €50million (£43m) for Konate this summer.
However, Real Madrid are unlikely to pay more than €20-25million (£17-21.5m) under any circumstances.
Konate has reportedly made it clear to Liverpool’s leadership that he would be willing to depart if Real Madrid express interest.
The Premier League champions are seriously considering selling the France defender, who is entering the last year of his contract at Anfield, amid concerns they might lose him on a free transfer next summer, echoing the situation with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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