Ibrahima Konate twist as transfer could be back on after Liverpool contract response

Real Madrid is reportedly back in the race to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of the season and yet to agree fresh terms

Ibrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool expires in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid is reportedly renewing its pursuit of Liverpool center-half Ibrahima Konate.

The 26-year-old's contract reaches its conclusion at the season's end and, with discussions over new terms having reached an impasse, he is set to depart on a free transfer this summer under current circumstances.

Real has established a trend in recent seasons of securing elite players from competing clubs on free transfers, including Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. Nevertheless, they were ultimately obliged to pay £8.5 million (around $11.5M) to acquire Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield in June, merely a month before the right-back's agreement with his boyhood club expired.

Reports surfaced towards the conclusion of last year suggesting Real had withdrawn their interest in Konate, reports the Liverpool Echo.

However, ESPN now asserts that Los Blancos have re-entered the race for Liverpool's defender. It is suggested that the Frenchman's salary expectations previously eliminated Madrid from contention.

Yet, it is understood that, should he reduce those demands, he could emerge as a viable target once more.

Dayot Upamecano nearing a fresh contract at Bayern Munich and Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City restrict the available choices for Real should they wish to recruit an elite center-back on a free transfer.

Ibrahima Konate could be a target for Real Madrid in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

It is suggested, consequently, that Konate could represent an opportunity at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The French international addressed his contractual circumstances in November, stating: "I've seen a lot of things in the press recently, like Liverpool have made me a new offer.

"I don't know where that's coming from. My agents are continuing discussions with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."

Konate recently suffered the loss of his father, Hamady, and made his comeback to the Reds' matchday squad last weekend.

The French international was visibly moved after scoring Liverpool's fourth goal in the 4-1 victory against Newcastle United on Saturday.

His emotion was evident upon scoring - immediately comforted by his fellow players.

Speaking post-match, Konate expressed: "For sure I am very happy and I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks but this is part of life.

"But I thought I should come back and help the team. Anfield was unbelievable today and that's what we need until the end of the season."