‘Talks ongoing’ – Real Madrid centre-back target in contract discussions to stay at current club | OneFootball

Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their backline for next summer, and as has become club policy, that has meant scouring Europe for the top free agents available next summer. Some of their top targets are coming off the board though.

Another who could be doing so is Dayot Upamecano. The French international’s deal runs out next summer, and at the age of 26, represents an economically sound investment. Los Blancos intend to bid farewell to David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger at the end of their deals. Real Madrid have been linked with Upamecano, albeit primarily in Germany.

Bayern Munich in talks over new Upamecano deal

However any pursuit of Upamecano is in jeopardy, following an update from Bayern President Herbert Hainer. He has told Allgemeine Zeitung, via Fabrizio Romano, that the Bavarian giants are in talks with their hulking central defender over a new contract, and that he hopes he will remain in Munich for some time to come.

This has been confirmed by Christian Falk on Bayern Insider, who says those talks are progressing positively, although they are not willing to offer him the same money they did to Alphonso Davies. Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, like Real Madrid are on the scene should a deal break down.

Doubts over Ibrahima Konate option

This will come as a concern to Real Madrid, with doubts growing over the potential signing of Liverpool central defender Ibrahima Konate. Upamecano was at no point cast as Real Madrid’s first choice, with William Saliba and Konate occupying that position. Saliba has now penned a new deal with Arsenal, ruling him out of a move, while Konate was heavily linked with Los Blancos throughout the summer.

Image via Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images

Yet recent reports have suggested that Konate is now considering an offer from Liverpool too. This coincides with a concerning downturn in form at Anfield, being withdrawn in the 56th minute for Curtis Jones in their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. Should Upamecano and Konate decide to remain where they are, Los Blancos may have to change their strategy, and pursue a transfer for the coming seasons.