Arne Slot's Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk actions hint at Ibrahima Konate contract update

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Arne Slot has hinted that Ibrahima Konate is close to signing a new Liverpool contract if his past comments about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are anything to go by. The defender only has months left on his deal, but his exit is far from a formality yet.

Liverpool are eager to tie the Frenchman down have confirmed that discussions are in progress. In his press conference last week, Slot disclosed: "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."

Real Madrid have been linked with a potential free transfer for the 26-year-old at the season's conclusion, although reports late last year indicated the La Liga titans had contacted Liverpool directly to clarify they wouldn't be pursuing another high-profile Anfield acquisition following their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold .

Liverpool found themselves in a comparable predicament last year when both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's contracts were due to expire at the season's end; however, Slot frequently declined to provide ongoing updates on the pair's negotiations until the deals were close.

So, Slot openly discussing the club’s desire to keep Konate may be telling. The Frenchman has experienced a mixed season but has shown promise in recent fixtures, including in the 4-1 victory against Newcastle United late last month.

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Reds captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be 35 by time next season rolls around, has acknowledged he's eager for his defensive colleague to stay at the club beyond the season's conclusion.

"We are friends, we speak about everything," he said. "It's a process and let's see what comes out of it. It's never that easy.

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"We saw with my situation last year so it's never that easy that we can just say: 'Let's get it done.' It's a process and let's see what comes out of it.

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"Obviously I want him to stay. He's an important figure on the pitch. That's what everyone sees but off the pitch as well, he's one of the leaders. He's outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class centre back."

Given van Dijk's age, Liverpool will no doubt be keen to keep hold of Konate. The Reds have, however, taken early measures to build a defence for the future, having spent big money on centre-backs Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet in recent windows.

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