Liverpool name Ibrahima Konate price as Real Madrid prepare 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer

Liverpool have named their price to let Ibrahima Konate go this summer, according to reports. The French defender's heart is believed to be set on a move to Real Madrid, and with less than a year left to run on his contract, the Reds are at risk of losing him on a free transfer in 12 months' time.

Anfield bosses have tried and failed to agree a contract extension with Konate and his camp. The 26-year-old has reportedly turned down two proposals despite playing a pivotal role, alongside centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk, in last season's Premier League win under Arne Slot.

Senior figures at the club are reportedly optimistic about their chances of convincing Konate to extend, as they did with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last season. But there is also the bitter prospect of Konate following Trent Alexander-Arnold's lead and giving in to the lure of the Bernabeu.

According to AS, Liverpool have pinned a £43.5million price tag on Konate for any suitor who wants to try their luck this summer. They paid £36m to sign him from RB Leipzig in 2021, and although he has established himself as one of Europe's standout defenders in the four years since, his contract situation has left the Reds with very little bargaining power.

It is understood that Konate would only be open to joining Real Madrid if he leaves during the current window. And Los Blancos are preparing a 'take-it-or-leave-it offer' to test Liverpool's resolve.

But Anfield chiefs may be disappointed to learn that the proposal in the works is likely to fall between £17.4m and £21.7m. Real's primary plan is to wait for Konate to become a free agent next summer and nab him for nothing, and they are confident that he will still be set on a move to the Spanish capital in a year's time.

Liverpool could therefore be put in the awkward situation of having to either accept a low-ball offer or risk the departure of a high-value player without receiving any compensation, as was the case with Alexander-Arnold.

Slot may choose to stand firm on Konate due to the lack of centre-back options at his disposal. Jarell Quansah left to join Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal earlier this month and Liverpool are yet to sign a replacement.

Aside from Konate and Van Dijk, Joe Gomez is the only other senior central defender at Anfield, and the 28-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent years. Liverpool have been tipped to swoop for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi at some point this summer, and those plans could accelerate as Konate's situation becomes clearer.