Ibrahima Konate has jokingly claimed that Kylian Mbappe calls him frequently to convince him to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps and join Real Madrid next summer. Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool, has been linked with a move to Los Blancos as he has yet to negotiate a new deal with the Premier League champions.

Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can secure Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer. The Frenchman, out of contract at Anfield in 2026, is said to be the subject of internal discussions among Los Blancos staff, who believe they are close to reaching a verbal agreement with the 26-year-old centre-back.

After primary target William Saliba agreed a new long-term deal at Arsenal, Real have reportedly turned their attention back to Ibrahim Konate. The Liverpool defender's contract expires next summer, fitting Madrid's strategy of focusing on free transfers, but there is said to be internal debate at the club over the move.

Michael Owen has taken aim at Ibrahima Konate for the French defender's role in Liverpool's first defeat of the season away at Selhurst Park. Up until Saturday afternoon, the Reds had been unassailable in the Premier League, winning five of their opening five games and opening up a five-point gap at the top of the table. With Palace taking the three points, they climb to second in the table.

Ibrahima Konate was fiercely defended by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot amid his rising errors at the back as the Reds look to end their losing run. The French centre-back was shaky against Crystal Palace, gifting two gilt-edged chances in a disastrous first half and picking up a booking in the process. A similar story unfolded at Galatasaray on Tuesday, where his hesitant defending and loose touches under pressure left fans biting their nails.