Liverpool centre-back offered but yet to sign new contract

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he has been offered a new contract at Anfield which remains unsigned.

While Liverpool have a wave of big names out of contract this summer - Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all facing uncertain futures - Konate is one of two regular starters whose deals expire in 2026, alongside left-back Andy Robertson.

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lille, Konate confirmed he had been offered a new contract by Liverpool, but was less forthcoming when asked whether he planned to sign it.

"This is another conversation," the 25-year-old said. "I am really focused on what happens now. We will see what will happen."

The Times state Konate's stance could hinge on Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold. The Frenchman could delay a decision until he has a clearer idea of what the squad looks like around him, not least because two of the potential high-profile departures this summer are from his defensive backline.

"Everyone knows Virgil and everyone knows his quality," Konate said of his centre-back partner. "For me he is the best, no one is better than him in this position.

"I learn a lot from him and other players like [Joel] Matip, Joe Gomez and other players who don't play in my position. I never said it to him but in interviews I've always said I just want to be better than him one day and that is why I work hard to reach this level one day. He would be proud, I think."

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