Arne Slot offers new Ibrahima Konate Liverpool contract update - 'Let's see where that ends'

Arne Slot offers new Ibrahima Konate Liverpool contract update - 'Let's see where that ends'

Arne Slot discusses Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future as the centre-back enters the final few months of his Anfield contract

Liverpool remain locked in talks with Ibrahima Konate's representatives over a new contract - with Arne Slot confirming he wants the centre-back to extend his stay at Anfield.

Konate is into the final few months of a deal signed when he joined the club in 2021 from RB Leipzig. Liverpool have been in discussions with the France international's agents for well over 12 months now.

Real Madrid have been linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old as a free agent at the end of the season, although reports late last year claimed the La Liga giants had reached out directly to Reds officials to confirm they would not be looking to take a another high-profile player from Anfield after their move for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Konate has endured an inconsistent season but has looked sharper recently, turning in an expert display to help Liverpool to an important 1-0 win over Sunderland on Wednesday after shining in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United late last month, which was his first match back after missing three games following the passing of his father in France.

After the success over Sunderland, captain Virgil van Dijk admitted he would love to see his defensive partner stay on beyond the end of the campaign.

And now Reds head coach Slot said when asked about the latest on Konate's future: "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 dismissed concerns over Mohamed Salah's output in front of goal since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations last month.

The Egyptian, who has just six goals all season, hasn't registered in the Premier League since November 1 when Aston Villa were beaten 2-0.

But the Liverpool boss says last season's 34-goal marksman is always capable of going on a run.

Slot added: "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.