Konate close to extending Liverpool contract

Ibrahima Konate revealed he is close to signing a new contract with Liverpool.

The defender's current deal is set to expire at the end of June, and reports earlier in the season suggested Real Madrid were interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer.

Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £35m ahead of the 2021-22 campaign and has become a vital part of their defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The Frenchman has played 178 games across all competitions for the Reds, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and two EFL Cups during his time at Anfield so far.

Since joining Liverpool, Konate has won the fifth most duels (906) and aerial duels (480) among Premier League defenders in all competitions, and has played fewer games than the players ranked above him in both categories.

Liverpool are set for major changes to their team, with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson both leaving this summer, while Van Dijk has one year left on his deal.

However, 26-year-old Konate insisted he never wanted to leave Liverpool this summer, confirming that a new contract is not far off.

"There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," said Konate after their Merseyside derby win on Saturday.

"I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible, but we are in a good way.

"For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted.

"I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet.

"When he's going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."