Liverpool to emerge as WINNERS from insane Real Madrid plan | OneFootball

The centre-back fight

Liverpool and Real Madrid aren't even the only heavyweights looking for elite centre-backs. Bayern Munich are also in that fight as Dayot Upamecano's contract expires in the summer.

He's been linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid. Bayern are eager to get him to renew, however.

But Sport claim Real Madrid will try to sign Konate, Upamecano and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. All three are on the list over there - and that can work in Liverpool's favour.

Because all three wants to be stars but they're not all getting to be that over in Madrid. Suddenly, Liverpool's bargaining position strengthens as they can offer a solid role that Real Madrid simply can't.

And at least one of those players, arguably two, will not get the deal they want but Real Madrid's crazy attempt to work on deals for all three keeps the battle alive. It feels like a near-certainty that Liverpool either retain Konate or sign an elite defender as a result - they're certainly working towards that.

In a quieter chase, perhaps Konate would sign for Real Madrid and Liverpool would be a bit stuck. Upamecano may be more inclined to simply stick with Bayern and Guehi may be the only option, dramatically strengthening his own bargaining position.

Instead, the market is wide open and the Reds can get to work on convincing a star to sign for them. Los Blancos are the ones keeping that situation alive.