RB Leipzig have denied reports that defender Ibrahima Konate is close to finalising a summer move to Liverpool.
Liverpool are keen to strengthen their centre-back options this summer following a disappointing defence of the Premier League title, their hopes of winning consecutive titles wrecked by a succession of injuries to defensive players.
Reports this week had suggested the Reds were nearing an agreement to sign Konate, with Liverpool prepared to meet the 21-year-old’s €40m release clause as they look to conduct their summer business early.
Konate has attracted interest from several leading clubs for his performances since signing for Leipzig, the France u21 international also previously linked with both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Leipzig have already lost one of their centre-back starlets with Dayot Upamecano having agreed a deal to join Bayern Munich this summer and the club’s sporting director, Markus Krosche, has denied reports that Konate is also on the verge of an exit from the Red Bull Arena.
“I can’t say anything on that topic,” Krosche told Stats Perform News when asked if he felt the defender would be on his way to Liverpool. “I think that this is not an option for Ibu.
“He has a long contract with us and he knows what we mean to him and what he means to us.
“He was unlucky last year as he had a longer injury but this year he is in a good way and he is an extremely important player that has a lot of potential.
“We want to help him to further develop, and we play internationally, have a very good team, so I don’t see a reason for him to leave us.”
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