Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool contract demands revealed amid PSG links

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate is holding out for a huge pay rise as talks over a new contract at Anfield drag on without an agreement.

Konate has cemented himself as Virgil van Dijk's primary partner this season, starting almost every game when fit. But, while Van Dijk is at last moving towards a fresh deal, the Frenchman's future as a Liverpool player has grown uncertain.

Konate did little to play down transfer speculation in February when presented with links to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, calling the rumoured interest "flattering" and saying his agent will "take care" of everything off the pitch.

The former RB Leipzig star will shortly enter the final year of the contract he signed to complete a 2021 transfer from Germany. At present, Konate is thought to pocket a weekly salary of £80,000, but The Times writes that he is now seeking more than double that wage – "closer to £200,000".

Liverpool could therefore have some tough decisions to make. The Reds will want to avoid a repeat scenario whereby a regular starter is on an expiring contract, with Konate's situation more akin to Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his age and market value, than Van Dijk or Mohamed Salah.

Behind Van Dijk and Konate, the lack of opportunities this season is leading home-grown Jarell Quansah to consider his position. The 22-year-old has been linked with Newcastle United, whose budget could allow a deal worth £30m plus add-ons. However, Liverpool still see Quansah as being part of their plans next season, despite his lack of chances.

If Konate were to be sold, it could open up regular game time for Quansah, or more likely would see the Reds dip into the transfer market for a replacement. Castello Lukeba, who has had a similar career path to Konate by moving from France to RB Leipzig, is one of those linked.

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