Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate handed $17M offer amid Real Madrid and PSG battle

Liverpool transfer news as Ibrahima Konate is said to be in talks over a new offer ahead of the summer, while the Reds are reportedly in a battle with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for a signing

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

Liverpool faces a huge week for its Champions League hopes, which in turn could have a big impact on its summer transfer plans.

The Reds face Galatasaray in the first leg of their last-16 tie later today, before hosting the Turkish side back at Anfield next week, with a Premier League clash with struggling Tottenham sandwiched in between.

Arne Slot and his side know how important a place at Europe’s top table next season will be, especially with more additions needed in the transfer window, and it’s vital they boost their chances on both fronts over the next few days.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Real Madrid is back in the running to sign Ibrahima Konate this summer, with Defensa Central claiming that the Spanish giant has reopened contact with the defender’s agents.

Los Blancos have been linked with Konate for some time, although were said to have turned their attentions elsewhere after the French international’s inconsistent form earlier in the season. An upturn in performances though could now see a move to the Bernabeu back on.

Real is claimed to be negotiating a bonus fee to try and tempt Konate, with around $17 million (€15M) said to be on offer. What’s more, the defender is said to be ready to push for a departure from Anfield, with his contract expiring in the summer.

Liverpool.com says: It feels increasingly likely that Konate will be leaving Liverpool this summer, and it would be no surprise to anyone if he did end up at Madrid. Bonus or no bonus, if Real want a player, they invariably get their way.

If Konate does leave, then Liverpool simply has to buy another defender, even with Jeremy Jacquet set to arrive. The Reds would need some of a similar age to Konate in order to bridge the gap between the veteran Virgil van Dijk and the much younger Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, both of whom may even need time at the start of next season to get to full fitness.

Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)

Liverpool is among three clubs showing an interest in Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, according to French outlet Telefoot.

The 19-year-old has caught the eye with eight goals in his first season at Bournemouth, having joined the Cherries from Lorient last year. As well as the Reds, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also linked to Kroupi, who is said to have ambitions of one day winning the Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool.com says: There is plenty of hype around Kroupi, although it feels very early to be talking about him making a move to one of Europe's big teams. Although he has impressed at Bournemouth, you can't yet judge whether he's going to be the superstar some suggest he will be.

He's certainly one to keep a close eye on for the future, but making a move for him this summer would feel like a huge gamble.