Liverpool remain determined to tie defender Ibrahima Konaté down to a new contract before his current terms expire next summer, a report has revealed.
The France international will hit the final six months of his existing contract in January, when he will be free to discuss terms with clubs oversees. Real Madrid had long been expected to take advantage of that opportunity with a view to making Konaté their latest bargain signing, but it emerged on Friday that Los Blancos have formally ended their interest.
Just why Madrid have walked away from Konaté is unclear. Questions over his recent form have been asked by many Liverpool fans, but his private contract demands may also have proven a problem for the La Liga leaders.
Madrid’s withdrawal as suitors comes as a boost to Liverpool who, according to , are still working towards a new contract for Konaté.
Liverpool officials want to secure Konaté’s long-term future but will only do so if the finances make sense for them. Previous reports have claimed the 26-year-old wants a contract which would make him one of the club’s top earners.
Konaté, for his part, has already admitted he wants to be able to announce a decision on his future soon.
