Real Madrid have made it clear to Liverpool that, whilst they considered making a move for Ibrahima Konate, they have decided against going after the defender.

The Frenchman's contract expires next summer and, as things stand, he will be available on a free transfer when the season ends. Since the campaign began there has been talk of Konate leaving for pastures new after five years at Anfield.

Real have been touted as his most likely destination and they would've been able to agree a pre-contract agreement with the defender come January 1. However the Athletic reports that the Spanish giants have made it clear to the Reds that landing Konate is not on their radar.

The 26-year-old has held discussions over his future at Anfield but as things stand nothing has yet been agreed. Liverpool allowed a number of their leading lights to let their contracts run until late in the day last year, which ultimately cost them Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back moved to the Bernabeu on a free transfer with Real making impressive use of that market in recent seasons. They've bought in Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger for nothing to bolster their ranks.

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Liverpool made attempts to sign Marc Guehi in the summer, but failed with their last ditch efforts. They had chased the Crystal Palace defender but the Eagles ultimately decided against selling late in the day despite him also being out of contract next summer. He has expressed no desire to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

The Reds continue to be linked with the England defender and may well launch another bid, which could yet have a knock on affect for Konate's future. A number of high profile centre-halves are set to be available on a free this summer - Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano another as PSG track his situation.

The German giants could yet see Konate as a replacement for Upamecano. It was in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig that Konate first caught the attention of Europe's top sides.

During a troubled season for Liverpool their French defender has copped criticism amid suggestions the lack of clarity on his future is impacting on his performances. He made another error, which led directly to a goal on Wednesday, as the Reds were beaten again.

Jamie Carragher on CBS Sport claimed Arne Slot was committing a "sackable offence" by continuing to play Konate amid his drop in form.

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