Ibrahima Konate Liverpool contract update as Arne Slot drops five-word tease

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Liverpool remain in negotiations with Ibrahima Konate's representatives regarding a new deal - with Arne Slot confirming his desire for the defender to prolong his Anfield career, teasing "let's see where that ends".

Konate, 26, is approaching the final months of a contract penned when he arrived at the club in 2021 from RB Leipzig. Liverpool have been in dialogue with the France international's agents for more than 12 months.

Real Madrid have been touted as potential suitors to snap up the 26-year-old on a free transfer at the season's conclusion. However, reports towards the end of last year had claimed the La Liga heavyweights had informed Reds officials they wouldn't be pursuing another prominent player from Anfield following their acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold .

Konate has experienced a patchy campaign but has appeared more assured lately.

He delivered an accomplished performance to guide Liverpool to a crucial 1-0 triumph over Sunderland on Wednesday after excelling in a 4-1 victory against Newcastle United late last month, which marked his first outing after sitting out three fixtures following his father's death in France.

Following the win over Sunderland, skipper Virgil van Dijk expressed his hope to see his defensive colleague remain beyond the current season. Not long after the Liverpool skipper's praise, Slot has made it clear he wants Konate to be within his squad next season.

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The Dutchman said: "We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It's clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let's see where that ends.

"We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay. It's just as good from Ibou as from Virgil (to stay fit), I'm sure there is a difference in age and that sometimes plays a part as well. Ibou has had a very good spell recently.

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"He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.

"But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I've been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind."

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Meanwhile, Slot has played down worries about Mohamed Salah's goalscoring form since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations last month. The Egyptian, who has managed just six goals all season, hasn't found the net in the Premier League since November 1 when Aston Villa were defeated 2-0.

However, the Liverpool manager insists last season's 34-goal forward is always capable of hitting a purple patch. Slot added: "There could be multiple reasons for that.

"It could be the opponent is even more aware of his threat after such a great season last season, or having so many different right backs behind him for the whole season has influenced that dynamic.

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"I could come up with five or six more reasons. What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league.

"I also see us being able to bring our forwards, and not only Mo, into very promising positions in many games. So it will be a combination of factors.

"Even last season Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn't score. So let's see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists."

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