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Real Madrid are reportedly renewing their interest in Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. The 26-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and, with talks over a new deal at a standstill, he could be leaving on a free transfer this summer.

In recent years, Real have made a habit of snapping up top players from rival teams on free transfers. However, they had to shell out £8.5million to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield in June, just a month before his contract was due to run out.

Towards the end of last year, reports suggested that Real had cooled their interest in Konate. But ESPN now report that Los Blancos are once again eyeing the Liverpool defender.

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It is believed that the Frenchman's hefty financial demands previously put Madrid off. However, if he were to lower these, he could become a viable option for them once more.

With Dayot Upamecano signing a fresh deal at Bayern Munich and Marc Guehi moving to Manchester City, Real's options for securing a top-tier new centre-back on a free transfer are dwindling. Therefore, it's suggested that Konate could be a potential recruit at the Santiago Bernebeau.

Konate addressed his contract situation back in November. He stated: "I've seen a lot of things in the press recently, like Liverpool have made me a new offer.

"I don't know where that's coming from. My agents are continuing discussions with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."

Konate, who recently lost his father Hamady, was back in the Reds' squad last weekend. The French star was visibly moved after scoring Liverpool's fourth goal in their 4-1 victory against Newcastle United on Saturday.

His team-mates immediately comforted him as he was overcome with emotion after the goal. Post-match, an emotional Konate shared: "For sure I am very happy and I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks but this is part of life.

"But I thought I should come back and help the team. Anfield was unbelievable today and that's what we need until the end of the season."

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