Real Madrid have no interest in recruiting Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate | OneFootball

Real Madrid have informed Liverpool directly and unequivocally that they now have no interest in recruiting the services of Ibrahima Konate, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The Liverpool star is out of contract at the end of the season at the Anfield club and has been linked with a move to Madrid for months.

Konate had indeed been considered by Madrid, but they are no longer keen on recruiting his services, which could be good news for the Reds.

Liverpool want to hand the France international a new deal as he will be able to speak with foreign teams and reach a pre-contract agreement from January 1.

However, both parties have been unable to agree to the terms of an extension.

It had appeared Konate was going to leave as a free agent and join Madrid in the summer, following in the footsteps of former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Los Blancos have no plans to sign him, but he will not be short of options as most of the bigwigs in Europe would love to have such a player for free.

Madrid pulling out of a deal could prompt the 26-year-old to reconsider his future and commit to the Merseyside club.

Konate’s priority was the La Liga club, but that could now change after the latest development, and Liverpool will be hoping they can now convince him with Madrid out of the way.

He has played in 18 games across all competitions so far this season, featuring in every one of their Premier League game as he remains a key player under manager Arne Slot.

Konate made 42 appearances in all competitions last term, playing 31 times in the Premier League to help Liverpool to the title.

The club love him and will now be praying he opts to sign an extension before his deal expires in June as losing him for free will be a huge blow.