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Liverpool has no intention of parting ways with Ibrahima Konate, even if the club manages to secure two new central defenders.
A deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is reportedly on the horizon. Konate is in the final 12 months of his contract and could depart for free next summer as it currently stands. The Reds have recently seen Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract expire and are keen to avoid a similar situation.
Konate has captured the interest of Real Madrid due to his contract status and the fact that his prime years are still ahead of him. Liverpool might consider cashing in this summer, much like Palace feels it has little choice with Guehi, but that's not the plan at Anfield.
Arne Slot has shown interest in Guehi throughout the summer, who just led the Eagles to FA Cup and Community Shield victories.
The Reds are also negotiating a deal for Parma's Giovanni Leoni, viewed as a long-term project if they can outbid Inter Milan for his signature.
However, as reported by Mirror Football, Konate remains a key part of Liverpool's plans, and any new signings won't be to compensate for potential departures.
Slot has faced questions about his defensive resources after Jarell Quansah's move to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez's ongoing injury issues.
The Dutch manager believes he has adequate cover, but there's no doubt the club would take action if a suitable deal is available, which certainly seems to be the case with Guehi.
His contract situation means Palace can't demand a hefty fee, and the club's chairman, Steve Parish, concedes it may need to cash in.
He said: "For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem for us, unfortunately.
"We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
Konate turned down Liverpool's first contract extension proposal, though further discussions are anticipated. His deal negotiations were postponed last year while the club's hierarchy concentrated on securing Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
The former RB Leipzig center-back is believed to be dissatisfied with how Liverpool structured its proposal.
His agents are reportedly seeking an improved base salary following an offer that relied heavily on performance-related bonuses, which would have been vital to his earnings potential.
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