Real Madrid close in on Liverpool star: Konate agrees terms pending presidential election as Los Blancos win transfer race | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid over a transfer to the club.

Konate is available as a free agent from July 1st after failing to agree a new contract atLiverpool. The club confirmed the departure of the France international this week after negotiations over an extension broke down.

Real Madrid have now made their move and an agreement is in place for a four-year contract at the Bernabeu. The deal is dependent on the club's presidential election next week, with current president Florentino Perez having agreed the deal. Perez is favourite to be re-elected on June 7th.

Konate has paused negotiations with Saudi Pro League sides in favour of Real Madrid, according to journalistMarcos Benito.

The Spanish side expressed initial interest in Konate last winter, but cooled talks out of 'respect' for their relationship with Liverpool. The working relationship between the clubs had been fractured by Real's pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold las year, with the right-back eventually moving to the Spanish capital in a cut-price deal, after running down his contract at Anfield.

Liverpool are now set to lose another key figure to Real Madrid, with Konate closing in on a move to theLa Liga side. The centre-back made 183 appearances across five seasons for Liverpool, winning four major trophies, including the Premier League.

Konate 'saddened' by Liverpool exit with Real Madrid transfer close

"I am deeply saddened that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn't know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you," Konate said in a statement this week.

"Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn't an easy goodbye, but it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter."