Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk on Twitter.
The 21-year-old has done well when called upon for the Bundesliga side this season, making four appearances in the division. He is also a current France under-21 international, winning 11 caps for Les Bleus’ youngsters so far.
On Friday, Falk claimed that Liverpool viewed him as a potential centre-back addition alongside Leipzig teammate Dayot Upamecano.
TRUE ✅ Liverpool @LFC have also Ibrahima Konaté (21, contract til 2023 @DieRotenBullen) beside Dayot Upamecano (22) on their list for the defense @BILD_Sport pic.twitter.com/aGrlaWlRjo
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) December 4, 2020
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This suggests that Jurgen Klopp is still very much considering making defensive reinforcements in January, with Liverpool threadbare in that area currently.
With both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez likely to miss the rest of the season with serious knee injuries, a new signing is surely needed to help the Reds through the second half of the season.
Konate may not quite have the in-demand profile of Upamecano, who has also been linked with Liverpool, but he could be a cheaper option. Schalke’s Ozan Kazak is another Bundesliga defender in whom the Reds are reportedly interested as they cast a wide net.
He is currently valued at £36.45m by Transfermarkt, which could be a reasonable amount to stump up, especially if the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are potentially sold in January to free up transfer funds.
