Liverpool news as Roy Keane questions Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid transfer links

Mohamed Salah's announcement that he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season has been questioned by Roy Keane, while Real Madrid has identified Ibrahima Konate as a transfer target

Roy Keane believes Mohamed Salah's exit could yet turn nasty(Image: YouTube/Stick to Football)

Liverpool headed into the international break licking its wounds after a defeat to Brighton, which handed the Reds their tenth loss of the season.

That result has since been overshadowed by the seismic news that iconic winger Mohamed Salah will depart the club at the end of the campaign. The defending Premier League champions now appear to be careering toward yet another summer of upheaval.

While all attention will be focused on the futures of Arne Slot and incoming players at Anfield, our latest Liverpool news round-up sees a key figure linked with an exit. Meanwhile, a Premier League great has questioned Salah's bombshell revelation. Here, Liverpool.com takes a closer look...

Salah announcement questioned

Former Manchester United stalwart Roy Keane believes Salah's announcement could prove counterproductive and breed negativity should Liverpool's season continue to disappoint.

Salah is set to bring his Liverpool chapter to a close after nine years at the club, with the 33-year-old confirming his departure despite having 12 months remaining on his contract this summer.

"I'm not sure it's ideal timing to announce that," Keane said. "I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season. Last year, there was the noise, 'This could be my last game at Old Trafford.' He played all of those games last year before he signed his new deal.

Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"If Liverpool finish the season really badly, and they've not been great, and he's in games. We saw it with Trent a little bit, in different circumstances. Is he leaving, and then he has a bad game against United.

"So just say they come off it in the last month or two, and they don't do anything in the cup matches, and he's not at his best, they'll be saying, 'He's already left the club and his heart is not in it.'"

Keane warned: "I think that can turn a bit nasty, so this idea of a parade... it would be different if they were Arsenal, top of the league, they're going to win the league like last year. I'm not sure about the timing. I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season and go, 'I've done my bit.'"

Real Madrid linked with Konate again

Spanish publication Marca reveals that Los Blancos are in active discussions with Ibrahima Konate's camp over a potential summer transfer.

Madrid is reportedly compelled to strengthen its defensive options as it assesses Antonio Rudiger's future at the club. The German center-back's continuation at the Bernabeu beyond this campaign remains far from guaranteed.

The Spanish team has now shifted focus toward bolstering its defensive options for the future. The report suggests Madrid is targeting Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, though he may yet commit his future to the Bundesliga side.

If that happens, Madrid is believed to view Konate as "another option," with the club reportedly making contact with his representatives. The French defender has experienced an inconsistent campaign this term, yet Liverpool will be reluctant to lose a seasoned center-back while grappling with a defensive injury crisis.

While Konate could depart on a free transfer when the season concludes, Liverpool supporters have been offered some encouragement regarding his future. According to The Athletic, both parties are working toward reaching an agreement, with constructive and cordial talks ongoing.