Real Madrid to raid Liverpool AGAIN?! Los Blancos eye stunning move to snatch Ibrahima Konate from Reds after securing Trent Alexander-Arnold deal

Real Madrid are putting in the groundwork to sign Liverpool defender Konate next year, according to MARCA. Los Blancos have already poached Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer and want to secure a similar deal for the Frenchman, whose contract at Anfield runs out next year.

Madrid's interest in Konate has already been established, with reports of their fondness for the 26-year-old emerging last month. MARCA claim officials at Liverpool fear a repeat of the Alexander-Arnold situation, who allowed his deal to run out before moving to the Bernabeu for free. Talks between the Reds and Konate regarding an extension have been ongoing, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

Madrid have already taken steps to address their central defence issues, with Dean Huijsen recently arriving from Bournemouth. The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba have all been ruled out of action due to injuries in the past few years and younger options are clearly being targeted by club president Florentino Perez.

While Liverpool aren't involved in this month's Club World Cup, Madrid are preparing for their first outing, which comes against Al-Hilal on Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Stadium.