7 hours ago
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Liverpool's concerns that center-back Ibrahima Konate may be swayed by Real Madrid are fueling the pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi before the transfer window shuts.
This situation mirrors the season-long drama that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold run down his contract before making a bargain move to the Bernabeu ahead of the Club World Cup earlier this summer. The consensus at Anfield is that Konate wishes to follow in the full-back's footsteps to the Spanish capital when he becomes a free agent next summer.
Unlike Alexander-Arnold, however, the French international has experienced a worrying dip in form - leading manager Arne Slot to prioritize securing England star Guehi as well as landing Newcastle's wantaway striker Alexander Isak before Monday night's deadline, reports The Mirror.
Liverpool has let in two goals in each of the first two Premier League matches - and Konate's performance against both Bournemouth and Newcastle has set off alarm bells at Anfield.
The champions will intensify their efforts to secure both Isak and Guehi in the next 24 hours - with the Palace skipper also declining to sign a new deal with less than 12 months remaining on his current contract.
Liverpool is reluctant to shell out more than $41 million (£30 million) for the 25-year-old, given it faces the possibility of losing Konate on a free transfer next summer.
The Merseysiders have already snapped up Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer - and the 18-year-old is tipped for greatness. However, Slot is keen to add more experience alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of his defense.
With Joe Gomez still failing to impress following an Achilles problem picked up during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia, it's believed that Guehi could bolster the chances of retaining the title and making a strong Champions League run.
It's expected that Palace will be willing to negotiate once it has secured a replacement - with Manchester City's Manuel Akanji on their radar.
Konate will have the opportunity to prove that his early-season slump is just a blip when Liverpool takes on title contenders Arsenal at Anfield.
The Gunners' new forward Viktor Gyokeres found his stride with a brace in the thrashing of Leeds last weekend after a lacklustre debut at Manchester United.
Liverpool had to rely on late goals to overcome Bournemouth and a 10-man Newcastle after squandering leads in both matches - and Slot is a manager who values defensive solidity.
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