Liverpool step up centre-back search as Ibrahima Konate contract standoff deepens

Liverpool’s recruitment team have accelerated plans to reinforce the heart of defence amid growing uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield.

With negotiations over a contract extension yet to yield progress, the club are increasingly bracing for the prospect of losing the France international and have begun shaping contingency strategies behind the scenes.

Discussions between the two parties have stalled, and there is a growing sense that a separation may now be the most probable outcome. Liverpool’s hierarchy are understood to have drawn a firm line in negotiations.

Even if Konate signals a desire to resume talks, the club have no intention of revising the terms already placed on the table. That uncompromising stance has prompted senior figures to intensify scouting efforts as they prepare for multiple scenarios heading into the next transfer window.

The groundwork for defensive reinforcements is already in motion. Liverpool moved swiftly to secure promising youngster Jeremy Jacquet, a deal viewed internally as one for the future.

However, that acquisition is not expected to be the final piece of business should Konate depart. The Merseyside club are seriously weighing up a return to the market for an established central defender capable of stepping straight into the starting XI.

Among the names under consideration is Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, who is admired for his pace, composure and suitability to Liverpool’s tactical blueprint.

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has also caught attention within Premier League circles, while Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is regarded as a viable continental alternative.

Konate’s situation has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Real Madrid’s long-standing admiration remains well documented, and there is also a developing possibility of interest from Saudi Arabia. Such a move would echo the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s own future at Anfield.

Liverpool are additionally monitoring longer-term options, including the potential activation of a £52 million buy-back clause for Jarell Quansah.