Defender target takes Liverpool transfer into own hands, as plans step up

RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate has begun the search for a house in Liverpool ahead of his move to Anfield, according to a report.

The France Under-21 international has had links with Jurgen Klopp’s side for some time now. The Athletic journalist David Ornstein initially broke the news of Liverpool’s interest, claiming that the Reds and Leipzig were in advanced talks. Since then, though, talk of the transfer has largely focused on the cost of his release clause.

Some reports suggest that he will cost around £35million. However, further speculation claims that Liverpool will have to pay up to £40million.

For his part, Konate has stayed quiet on the transfer links. Indeed, he has insisted that neither him nor his agent have had contact with the Reds over a deal.

According to Anfield Central, though, the centre-back is gearing up to make the move to Merseyside.

He has begun house-hunting in the area, aware that his move to Liverpool is practically at the finish line.

In fact, the report says that the Reds have completed ‘just about every stage of the process’ in signing the player.

Paying the release clause and organising and passing a medical remain the only big tasks, aside from ‘minor paperwork’.

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says the club must sign a centre-back and a striker this summer.

Both sides have agreed personal terms and journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed (via The Guardian) that the deal will cost £30.5million.

Liverpool have a sketchy recent history with interest in French players; France international Nabil Fekir had practically sealed his move from Lyon in 2018, before injury concerns scuppered his medical.

Liverpool told of transfer priority

Klopp’s side have reportedly made signing a new centre-back a priority for the upcoming transfer window, after losing all three senior options in a dramatic turn of events.

January loan signing Ozan Kabak, who moved from Schalke, could yet earn a permanent deal.

According to Jamie Carragher, though, defence is not the area in Klopp’s team which needs addressing most.

READ MORE: Carragher sick of reminding Klopp of Liverpool’s biggest transfer problem