Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate contract extension has 'never been closer'

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The latest Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate reportedly closes in on a contract extension at Anfield, and there is a West Ham midfielder seemingly on the Reds' radar

Ibrahima Konate's future remains up in the air(Image: AFP or licensors)

Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate are reported to have "never been closer" to agreeing a contract extension than they currently are.

The French defender's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. However, French outlet L'Equipe says that talks between Liverpool and Konate have intensified in recent months, and that there are only a few remaining details to be ironed out in order for the defender to stay on Merseyside.

It is suggested that unnamed clubs in Spain have laid out their proposals to Konate, but the most likely eventuality now is for the 26-year-old to stay at Anfield.

Whatever happens, a definitive outcome is expected in the coming weeks, with Konate keen to have his future resolved well before the start of the World Cup in the middle of June.

It has been reported at times this season that Konate wants £200,000 ($265,000) a week in order to stay at Liverpool, which is a 150 per cent increase on his current salary, which perhaps explains why talks have been going on for so long.

Such a salary would see Konate become one of Liverpool's highest-paid players next term, but it feels unlikely that he will end up with that wage off the back of what has been a very poor season.

West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is being linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: 2026 CameraSport)

Meanwhile, Liverpool has reportedly held talks with a representative of West Ham's Mateus Fernandes ahead of a possible summer swoop for the midfielder.

Liverpool has looked leggy in midfield for much of the season, and could benefit from some fresh energy in the center of the park.

Despite West Ham's precarious position in the Premier League standings, Fernandes has been an impressive performer for the East London club.

It is reported by Caught Offside that West Ham is resigned to losing Fernandes this summer – even if it manages to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Fernandes is also said to be attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, but it is Liverpool's interest that is strongest at this moment in time.

There has been some suggestion that Alexis Mac Allister could be moved on by Liverpool this summer. The Argentine's mobility, or lack thereof, has become a concern among supporters this term.