Konate close to agreeing new Liverpool contract

Ibrahima Konate is close to signing a new contract with Liverpool (Paul ELLIS) Ibrahima Konate has revealed he is close to agreeing a new contract to stay at Liverpool beyond the end of the season. The French defender is in the final months of his current deal and there had been rumours suggesting he was going to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. However, interest in Konate cooled after a poor start to this season and he is set to extend his five-year stay at Anfield.

"For a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," said the 26-year-old after Liverpool's 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton. "I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I'm here next season.

This is what I always wanted. " Konate missed three games earlier this year after the death of his father, but cut short his compassionate leave to help Liverpool through an injury crisis. Crowned champions of the Premier League less than a year ago, Arne Slot's side have suffered a difficult campaign on and off the field.

The death of forward Diogo Jota cast a shadow over the club before the season began. Defeats to Manchester City in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League has ended any hope of silverware for the Reds. But Konate is focused on ending the season on a high by securing Champions League football.