Liverpool’s defender, Ibrahima Konate, has turned down a tempting offer from the Saudi Pro League, stating his desire to stay in Europe.

The French international centre-back is now in the last year of his contract at Anfield and currently, there’s no sign of him signing a new deal on Merseyside.

Talks with Liverpool have hit a stalemate in recent months and it’s believed that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Konate for a free transfer, having recently snapped up Trent Alexander-Arnold from Arne Slot’s champions.

If Konate had shown any willingness towards the move, the unnamed suitor would have been prepared to initiate talks with Liverpool over a potential deal.

Liverpool are keen to sort out Konate’s ongoing contract drama but there’s a growing feeling that the 26 year old might be holding out for a move to Real Madrid, and he would be free to engage with Los Blancos from January 1.

The Reds are open to bringing in another central defender before the transfer window closes, especially after recently offloading Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35million deal.

Liverpool’s defence could use a bit of bolstering, with Wataru Endo seen as a potential backup alongside Joe Gomez, and Andy Robertson also filled in at left centre-back during the friendly victory over Preston.

Whether Liverpool would entertain offers for Konate this summer – given his contract situation is still up in the air – is yet to be determined as no formal bids have come in for him yet.

For now, the champs seem to be focusing on signing a top-tier attacker, having made an enquiry for Newcastle’s star player Alexander Isak.

The Magpies aren’t keen to sell, but the Reds are also considering Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike if Newcastle don’t cooperate.

Eddie Howe’s team have already had a bid of up to £69m including add-ons turned down for the Frenchman, who they’d like to pair with Isak at St James’ Park.

The Colombian international is reportedly open to a move, but Liverpool want to hold onto him and believe Bayern’s offer falls short of his market value.

Napoli have also shown interest in Darwin Nunez, who has also attracted attention from the Middle East, but so far, the Italians haven’t met Liverpool’s asking price.