Aniket Rai
Transfer News: Liverpool continue saga with Ibrahima Konate as Manchester United links continue
According to reports (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool had agreed a deal with RB Leipzig to sign Manchester United transfer target Ibrahima Konate after German outlet BILD reported otherwise.
But the Reds were ‘keen to negotiate’ an £8million clause that relates to how far Liverpool went in the UEFA Champions League. Konate has been linked with a move to Liverpool and United recently.
And the aforementioned news contradicted what BILD had reported earlier. The German outlet stated that the Reds had called Leipzig to inform them that they will not pursue Konate in the summer. (h/t Liverpool Echo)
However, Konate is a part of a 5-man defensive shortlist for the Reds. Jurgen Klopp looks to ensure that a defensive injury crisis does not sabotage their season again.
Fight for Konate
But the report goes on to add that there is still no agreement in place at this point despite the Reds considering signing him. As for United, they could go on to actually prioritize a centre-back in the summer.
And they are not short of options, with Jules Kounde and Pau Torres being the other names mentioned. Both Liverpool and the Red Devils would know that Konate is not the last defender available in the market.
And if the news of there being no agreement between Leipzig and Liverpool is true, then it comes as a boost for United. The cost of signing Konate this season is believed to be the same as his release clause – £34.6million.
And at that price, the 21-year-old looks like a good bargain considering how impressive he has been in recent years alongside Dayot Upamecano in Leipzig’s defence.
More Manchester United News:
- Arsenal enter the race for Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard
- Real Madrid set to re-enter the fray for Manchester United star David de Gea
- Manchester United and Arsenal to battle it out for Matheus Martinelli
It remains to be seen if United and Liverpool go on to fight it out for Konate in the summer. But if the Red Devils do manage to land him, then Maguire may finally have a long-term partner in defence.
