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Liverpool is reportedly preparing for a potential bid from Real Madrid, while also making headway in their chase for Rodrygo. It comes after the forward recently broke his silence.
The two clubs have already conducted business during this transfer window, with Trent Alexander-Arnold making the switch to Bernabeu. Real Madrid shelled out around £10 million ($13.4M) to secure the defender's services just weeks before his contract was due to expire.
They were keen to include him in their Club World Cup squad, with Alexander-Arnold featuring in five of their six matches and providing two assists. Now, it appears Liverpool could be on the verge of striking two more deals with Real Madrid. The first involves Ibrahima Konate, who has reportedly caught the eye of the Spanish heavyweights. He also caught the eye of the Saudis but rejected their mammoth offer.
According to Football Insider, a 'lowball offer' could soon be on the table, with Liverpool not in the best position to haggle. Konate is entering the final year of his contract, which puts him on track to become a free agent next summer.
Real Madrid would reportedly prefer to snap up the Frenchman this summer, rather than wait until his contract runs out. Consequently, they are rumored to be planning a £25M ($33.5M) bid, knowing that Liverpool might reluctantly have to accept.
Unless a miraculous breakthrough is achieved in contract negotiations, the powers that be at Anfield may have to accept what they can get. If they refuse to sell, Real Madrid could simply bide their time and snap up Konate on a free transfer next year.
In other news, it's been suggested that Liverpool is forging ahead with discussions over a potential move for Rodrygo. His immediate future remains uncertain, with whispers of a Premier League switch gaining momentum.
As per AS, the winger has been earmarked as a priority target by Liverpool. They reportedly envision him as their new 'star forward', lining up alongside Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike to form a formidable attacking trio.
Xabi Alonso has stated that he's yet to determine what lies ahead for Rodrygo, but where there's smoke, there's usually fire. He's also been linked with a possible move to Arsenal, indicating that Liverpool will need to move swiftly to secure his services.
Rodrygo, who favours the left flank, would be a direct replacement for Luis Diaz. The latter is keen to depart Anfield this summer and has been strongly linked with Bayern Munich.
Securing Rodrygo won't come cheap, with Real Madrid reportedly demanding a transfer fee north of £80M ($107.3M). Liverpool might consider using Konate as a bargaining chip to lower that figure in a deal that could benefit all parties involved.
It's yet to be seen how the situation will unfold in the upcoming weeks, with ample time remaining for both deals to be finalized.
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