Liverpool defender 'closing in' on new contract

Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is set to sign a new contract at Anfield as a reward for his impact on the senior side.

The 21-year-old's current deal, which runs until 2027, was signed back in May 2023, before his senior debut and emergence as a key part of the first-team squad under former manager Jurgen Klopp.

An approach from Newcastle United was rejected during the summer and The Athletic state Liverpool have now struck a deal to improve Quansah's contract at Anfield.

Whether the defender's contract will be extended remains to be seen, but Liverpool recognised the need to improve the finances on offer to Quansah after becoming a core part of the squad and a contender to feature for the England national team.

Alongside Quansah, Liverpool are also hoping to strike a deal to extend Ibrahima Konate's stay at the club. The Frenchman, who has played the lion's share of the minutes at centre-back next to Virgil van Dijk, has entered the final two years of his current deal.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has plenty of contract headaches to solve, including that of Van Dijk, whose deal expires at the end of the current 2024/25 season.

Manager Arne Slot has repeatedly brushed off questions about the future of Van Dijk, insisting the constant speculation was getting "boring" as he once again was forced to answer questions on contract talks with the skipper, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

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