As the Spanish powerhouses’ position on a deal for Virgil van Dijk also becomes evident, The Times reporter Paul Joyce says he has heard “whispers” regarding Los Blancos’s interest in the Liverpool defender, indicating that Real Madrid is actually interested in signing Ibrahima Konate during the summer transfer window.

Since joining Liverpool’s roster in 2021, Konate has grown to become one of the team’s top and most vital players. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, the 25-year-old has established himself as a vital member of Liverpool’s defense and has contributed two goals and two assists in 29 games across all competitions for Arne Slot’s team this season.

According to a report in The Daily Mail last week, Konate is one of three center-backs Madrid has on their shortlist for the summer. The France international’s contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2026.

Joyce, a Times journalist, has now confirmed that report and stated that he has heard that Konate, who has received a new contract offer from Liverpool, is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain.

“Ibrahima Konate has not yet accepted the new terms offered to him and will soon enter the last year of his contract. There are rumors that Paris Saint-Germain and possibly Real Madrid are interested in the France center back,” Joyce wrote in The Times.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is rumored to have been practically signed by Madrid on a free transfer.

When the right-back’s current contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the current campaign, the Spanish media has regularly stated that he will join Los Blancos.

Alexander-Arnold and Konate are two of Liverpool’s top players and frequent starts under Slot, so losing them to Madrid would be a double blow for the team’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).