Real Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, with reports claiming the Spanish giants are ready to offer the Frenchman a lucrative signing-on bonus to secure his services on a free transfer this summer.
Real Madrid target two Liverpool stars as Konate talks resume
The 25-year-old centre-back’s current contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, and negotiations over an extension have yet to reach a successful conclusion.
Liverpool have made what sources describe as their “biggest salary offer yet” to Konate, and remain hopeful he will commit his future to the club.
However, Spanish outlet Defensa Central reports that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has “resumed talks with Konate’s representatives” and is willing to pay the player around €15million (£13m) as a signing-on bonus to tempt him to the Bernabeu.
The uncertainty does not end with Konate. Alexis Mac Allister’s father has delivered a significant update on his son’s situation at Liverpool, revealing that discussions over a new deal are not currently taking place.
“There are currently no negotiations with Liverpool to renew the contract,” Carlos Mac Allister told Fabrizio Romano, opening the door for potential suitors.
Real Madrid have been monitoring the Argentine World Cup winner closely.
A well-placed source told TEAMtalk: “Mac Allister is someone the club are talking about, they love his style, attitude and demeanour, very similar in many ways to Modric and they like that.”
Mac Allister remains under contract until 2028, but the absence of renewal talks will alert Europe’s elite.
Beyond Mac Allister, Real Madrid are considering multiple midfield options. According to AS, Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar) and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) feature prominently on their radar.
While Vitinha would prove difficult to extract from PSG, Wharton and Smit represent more attainable targets as Los Blancos seek players in the mould of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Liverpool now face a battle to retain two of their key assets, with Real Madrid showing no signs of backing down in their pursuit of Premier League talent.
