Three steps to overcome before Liverpool attempt to seal €40m centre-back signing

Liverpool are reportedly looking to sign Ibrahima Konate this summer, after making the addition of another centre-back a top priority, but they must first go through their own three-step process before sealing a deal.

Konate’s RB Leipzig pal Dayot Upamecano was on the Reds’ radar first. However, the Frenchman has since decided to join Bayern Munich. That has left Jurgen Klopp pursuing a move for the promising 21-year-old as an alternative option.

The Reds were left short of centre-back options at the start of the campaign when Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both suffered season-ending iusses, only to be followed by back-up Joel Matip.

Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies joined on deadline day in January. However, the club are still in the market for a top-class defender this summer.

Leipzig star Konate is the man that has been identified and has a release clause worth €40m.

However, before the Anfield outfit go any further with an approach, they must go through a three-step policy that is in place – as reported in the Daily Star.

The Star states that a standard procedure has been in place since FSG took over. That procedure played a part in the big-money deals for the likes of Van Dijk, Alisson and Diogo Jota join.

The first step of the policy is a relatively simple one – Jurgen Klopp must want the player to join.

Scouts can give detailed reports while analysts reveal the latest data. However, if Klopp is not keen then any transfer talks will not take place.

Jamie Carragher: 'Diogo Jota is one of the first names on the team sheet'

Jamie Carragher: 'Diogo Jota is one of the first names on the team sheet'

Jamie Carragher analyses Diogo Jota's impact at Liverpool this season and feels the Portuguese forward should be one of the first names on the Reds' team sheet.

But in Konate’s case, the German is impressed with what he sees and is keen to bolster his backline.

The next step requires the blessing of owners FSG, who will obviously be the ones bankrolling the deal.

And finally, and most crucially, any transfers must be kept in line. That includes the latest transfer market trends and assesses availability.

However, the report adds that Liverpool’s current transfer plans are currently unclear, despite a big investment that saw NBA great LeBron James included as a shareholder.


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Real star has big reason to sink Liverpool

Meanwhile, a Real Madrid star craving a move to the Premier League is hoping that playing a big role in dumping Liverpool out of the Champions League will help his cause.

Reports at the beginning of March sugested that Chelsea and Bayern Munich were the frontrunners for Real winger Lucas Vazquez. Indeed, it was stated that the Blues had actually tabled a bid to land the 29-year-old.

Vazquez, who’s also been linked with Leeds and Manchester United, has less than three months left on his contract. Reports state that he is likely to leave, given his unhappiness with Real’s renewal proposal.

Defensa Central, as cited by Sport Witness, claims that the Spain international knows his ‘future is at stake’, with a Premier League summer switch a likely outcome.

Zinedine Zidane’s side will face the Reds in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg on Tuesday night.

The report states the attacker, who can also play at right-back, wants to use the clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men to make a ‘good impression’ on the English club.

Thomas Tuchel’s men are expected to monitor Vazquez during the two games against Liverpool. Those clashes will give Chelsea a good idea on how the player copes with Premier League opposition.

However, the report in Defensa Central adds that ‘nothing is closed or ruled out’ so far, with regards to where Vazquez will be playing next season.

READ MORE: Real ace gives reasons why ‘world’s best’ Liverpool driven for CL clash