Liverpool open talks with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract

According to reports coming out of France, Liverpool have started initial talks over a new contract for defender Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman, who is currently tied down until June 2026, joined the Reds from German side RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £36 million (€40 million).

According to Le 10 Sport, talks are currently under way with the club's management to explore the possibility of further extending his stay at Anfield.

The French outlet reports that because there is still plenty of time to run on his current deal, there is no "urgency" to renew, but the Reds would nonetheless like to address his situation in the coming weeks.

According to the report, it is hoped that an agreement over a new deal can be reached before the end of the current season.

One of Europe's top talents

The move to tie down the 24-year-old to a long-term deal serves as both recognition for the level shown by the French international since he joined and a measure to ward off potential suitors.

Konate was fervently sought after by Jurgen Klopp and gradually established himself as a first-choice starter at the heart of the Reds' defence, alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Since joining the club, he has made 68 appearances, scoring three goals, and established himself as one of Europe's most promising talents in his position. His form also earned him a call-up for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This season, his involvement has been limited by a series of muscle injuries, and a combination of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah have deputised for him.

However, with Matip now expected to miss the remainder of the season - and continuing uncertainty over his contract situation - now is the time for Konate to step up and make the centre-back position his own again.

Links to PSG

Thanks to his standout performances at Liverpool and his noteworthy displays for Didier Deschamps' French national team, Konate has been linked to several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain.

Konate, who is from Paris, recently addressed these rumours in an interview with Canal+: "If I see myself at PSG? Well, saying no would be lying to you. But to say that I'm considering it as an objective at the moment, not at all."

Reds fans will be hoping that this means an extension to his stay at Anfield is a mere formality.