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Yan Diomande is widely expected to leave his club at the end of the season, with Liverpool showing strong interest in securing his signature.

A report from TeamTalk claims that Liverpool representatives travelled to Germany over the weekend to conduct background checks on the highly rated youngster. While several clubs are tracking the 19-year-old, Liverpool are said to be the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Why Liverpool want Yan Diomande

It’s no secret that Liverpool are in the market for a dynamic winger, especially with the team lacking the flair, pace, and unpredictability once provided by Luis Díaz. Diomande could be the perfect fit. The teenager has registered nine goals and six assists for RB Leipzig this season, catching the attention of several elite clubs with his standout displays.

He possesses immense potential and the qualities needed to develop into a future star, making him an appealing long-term investment. However, Leipzig are believed to be demanding around £87 million, a fee that may cause hesitation. While Diomande is undeniably talented, Liverpool could prefer to negotiate a more reasonable price given his age and experience.

High demand for Diomande

Despite the hefty valuation, the inflated transfer market for elite prospects means Liverpool may need to move swiftly to avoid losing ground to rivals. Strengthening the wings could significantly boost their attacking options, and the coming weeks will be crucial.

Liverpool scouts recently watched Diomande in action against Wolfsburg, but they weren’t alone. Representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham were also present, underlining the intense competition for his signature. His eventual destination remains one to watch.

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Former Liverpool striker Jari Litmanen has revealed that the Reds tried to sign him on two separate occasions before he eventually arrived at Anfield.

The Finnish icon, who lifted the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 under Louis van Gaal, finally joined Liverpool in early 2001. He went on to spend a memorable season and a half on Merseyside under the late Gérard Houllier, playing his part in the club’s famous trophy treble during his debut campaign.

Litmanen scored nine goals in 43 appearances before returning to Ajax in August 2002, but his move to Liverpool could have happened much earlier had circumstances been different.

Speaking to The Athletic, he explained how Roy Evans first tried to bring him to Anfield back in 1997, with another chance arising in 1999 before the deal was eventually completed in 2001.

He said: “Roy Evans visited me in a hotel in Amsterdam in 1997. I seriously considered it, but Ajax had treated me so well that I didn’t want to push for a move. I told Roy that I’d join if they reached an agreement, but I wouldn’t force it. Liverpool made an offer, but Ajax refused to sell.

“In 1999, when I was leaving Ajax, I had three options: Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. I chose Barcelona because of the stadium, lifestyle, language, and because Van Gaal and some former teammates were there. But then the president changed, Van Gaal left, and the new coach told me I had no place in the team. After a few months, I knew Liverpool was the right move. Gérard Houllier was enthusiastic, and everything fell into place.”

When Liverpool finally secured his signature in 2001, it felt like a major statement, given his pedigree at both Ajax and Barcelona. It’s tempting to imagine how different things might have been had he joined in the late 1990s, potentially linking up with Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler during their peak years.

Although injuries hampered him and competition for places limited his starts, Litmanen quickly became a fan favourite. Now 55, he has since returned for Legends matches and remains fondly remembered, even if his time at Anfield was shorter than many would have hoped.

It remains one of those “what might have been” stories in Liverpool’s recent history.

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Carlos Mac Allister has addressed fresh speculation linking his son Alexis with a surprise move to Manchester United.

Earlier this week, The Mirror reported that officials at Old Trafford are monitoring the Liverpool midfielder, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe reportedly interested in signing the 27-year-old if he ever became available.

However, Fabrizio Romano later played down the rumours, explaining that while he expects United to be very active in the midfield market this summer, he has not heard anything “concrete” or “strong” regarding a move for the Argentina international.

Speaking to WinWin, Mac Allister’s father insisted that Alexis is fully focused on Liverpool and that his main priority is to extend his current contract at Anfield.

He said:

“Alexis is only thinking about Liverpool right now. We’re waiting for an offer to renew his deal. We’ll see what the club’s plan is.”

When asked whether the midfielder would consider a move abroad if no agreement is reached, Carlos added:

“We’ll wait and see what happens with the renewal. That’s all.”

This is not the first time Mac Allister senior has felt the need to shut down transfer talk involving Liverpool’s number 10 — and it isn’t even the first time this month.

Just two weeks ago, he made similar comments while responding to rumours of interest from Real Madrid, the same team Alexis scored a late winner against in a Champions League clash back in November.

There is no immediate urgency for a new deal, with Mac Allister’s current contract running until June 2028. Still, his father’s comments suggest the player would like Liverpool to make the first move.

Mac Allister will also be aware that Dominik Szoboszlai — who joined Liverpool in 2023 and has a contract length similar to his — has already started talks over an extension. That may leave Alexis wondering when his own negotiations will begin.

In truth, Liverpool fans likely have little to fear from the Manchester United links, as the Reds would be extremely unlikely to sell such an important player to their biggest rivals. But the 27-year-old may still want renewal talks to begin sooner rather than later.

His father would probably welcome that too, as it would stop him from constantly having to dismiss transfer rumours about Liverpool’s number 10.

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Liverpool remain without a host of key players as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture, but there are positive signs for two of their biggest summer signings.The Reds eased past Brighton 3-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday, with Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet. Importantly, manager Arne Slot confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns from the victory at Anfield.

However, the squad is still missing several important names. Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo and Jeremie Frimpong were all absent, while long-term absentees Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.Here is the latest on every injured Liverpool player, including the most up-to-date timelines.

Alexander Isak – Potential return: March/AprilLiverpool’s £125 million summer signing from Newcastle continues to make steady progress after suffering a fractured fibula and ankle injury in December.Isak underwent surgery shortly after the injury, which occurred during the 2-1 win at Tottenham. He was spotted back at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, working in the gym and completing light ball work for the first time.

While there is still no official return date, the Sweden international is targeting a comeback in March or April. His inclusion in Liverpool’s Champions League squad suggests the club are confident he will feature again before the end of the 2025-26 season.

Jeremie Frimpong – Potential return: Sunday 22 February vs Nottingham ForestThe Dutch right-back picked up a thigh (muscle) injury just minutes into Liverpool’s Champions League win over Qarabag last month.Frimpong has now missed the last four matches across all competitions. The injury was initially expected to sideline him for “a few weeks”, but the latest indications are far more encouraging.

He has been stepping up his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre and is in contention to return for the trip to Nottingham Forest on 22 February.Wataru Endo – Potential return: Unknown

The Japanese midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the 2-1 Premier League win over Sunderland on 11 February and was ruled out of the Brighton game.Arne Slot gave a concerning update after the FA Cup victory: “We still need to do some assessments, but it’s clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time. Don’t forget that he’s a good centre-back and a good midfielder as well. If you look at the number six position or the two centre-back positions, we are quite vulnerable there as well if something happens.”No timeline has been given for Endo’s return.

Giovanni Leoni & Conor Bradley – Out for the seasonGiovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his Liverpool debut in September and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign. He is targeting a return to full fitness for pre-season in July.Conor Bradley picked up a knee injury in the goalless draw against Arsenal in January and is also not expected back before the end of the season.

Liverpool now turn their attention to the Premier League clash away at Nottingham Forest on Sunday 22 February. With Frimpong potentially available and Isak edging closer to a return, Slot will be hoping for some positive news on the treatment table in the coming days.

Alessandro Bastoni celebrates

LIVERPOOL ARE ON THE BRINK OF LANDING ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST ELITE DEFENDERS – AND IT’S A GAME-CHANGER!

In a transfer bombshell that has Anfield buzzing and the Premier League on high alert, Liverpool have reportedly secured personal terms with Alessandro Bastoni, the 26-year-old Serie A sensation from Inter Milan. Sources close to the deal confirm that a €70 million offer could be all it takes to seal the signing of this left-footed defensive maestro – and with Arne Slot’s Reds already monitoring him closely, the deal feels closer than ever.

Bastoni isn’t just any centre-back. He’s the cornerstone of Inter’s rock-solid backline, a player who’s been pivotal in their Champions League runs and Serie A dominance. At 26, he’s in his absolute prime: elite in the air, a master of the diagonal pass that slices through defenses, and a ball-progressing wizard who steps into midfield like it’s second nature. Think Virgil van Dijk’s leadership meets Trent Alexander-Arnold’s vision – but with the tactical IQ to thrive in Slot’s fluid 2-3-5 systemProven Pedigree: Italy international, Champions League regular, and the man who makes Inter’s defense tick. Oaktree Capital, Inter’s owners, see him as “almost untouchable” – but €70m? That’s the magic number, according to Italian insiders at Calciomercato.

Why Bastoni is Liverpool’s SECRET WEAPON:

Tactical Fit: His composure on the ball and ability to build from the back align perfectly with Liverpool’s high-pressing, possession-dominant style. Recent wins over Newcastle and Qarabag showcased exactly the kind of build-up play Bastoni excels at.

Defensive Depth: With Van Dijk approaching 35 and Konaté’s future under scrutiny, Bastoni provides the perfect succession plan – prime-age reliability at a time when elite defenders are rarer than a clean sheet at the Etihad.

Anfield packed for a big night

PREMIER LEAGUE RIVALS IN TURMOIL

Arsenal, who are desperate for depth behind Saliba and Gabriel, and Barcelona, rebuilding their entire backline, are both circling. But Liverpool’s patient, data-driven approach under Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes has them in pole position. Imagine Bastoni slotting in alongside Konaté – a wall that could shut down Haaland, Salah’s rivals, and anyone else who dares cross the halfway line.

Premier League bosses are shaken. Manchester United’s defensive woes would look even worse. Chelsea’s spending sprees suddenly feel wasteful. And City? Pep’s Guardiola knows a Bastoni-level upgrade could tip the scales back in Liverpool’s favor.

THE DEAL BREAKDOWNFee: €70m – a steal for a player who’s been valued at north of €80m in recent windows.Personal Terms: Already agreed, per reports. The Italian is “ecstatic” at the chance to join the Premier League’s most exciting project.Timeline: Summer 2026 move, giving Slot time to integrate him seamlessly.

This isn’t just a signing – it’s a statement. Liverpool aren’t rebuilding; they’re reloading. With Bastoni in red, Anfield’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” could soon echo with “Bastoni’s gonna get ya!”

What do you think, Reds? Is this the missing piece for another title tilt? Drop your thoughts below!

The league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League has come to a close with the final matchday providing plenty of post-match talking points – no more than Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring in the 98th minute of their 4-2 win over Real Madrid.Eight teams have automatically secured passage into the Round of 16 and another eight teams will secure a place in the knockout rounds following a series of playoff encounters.With anticipation building over the final 24 clubs battling it out to win the trophy, the Opta supercomputer has predicted who is most likely to win the tournament after 10,000 simulations.Paris Saint-Germain are the holders, with Luis Enrique’s men stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan back in June giving them the trophy for the first time, and they’ll be battling to do so again this time around. However, they aren’t predicted to win the trophy – and GIVEMESPORT tells you who the favourites are, as well as the outside chancers.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 24-21bodo glimtThere are some huge teams who haven’t even made the cut for the top 20 most likely teams to win the tournament by virtue of crashing out at the earliest competition: Dutch giants Ajax are naturally a massive club, as are Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt and Kevin De Bruyne-led Napoli, who are managed by Antonio Conte.Qarabag, despite their 6-0 loss to Liverpool on the final matchday of the league phase, have been the competition’s surprise package this term – and they bagged themselves a spot in the playoffs. Winning the lot is off the cards, though, according to Opta’s supercomputer.AS Monaco – who last reached the final in 2004, where they lost 3-0 to FC Porto – are the first side to be given a chance, albeit very slim, of holding the big-eared trophy aloft come the end of May in Budapest, Hungary.barca champions leagueRelatedHow Much Money Every Champions League Team Has Made in 2025/26 CompetitionBy Daniel HepburnManaged by Sebastien Pocognoli, Monaco have been issued a 0.01% chance of going the entire way in the competition and that is just short of Bodo/Glimt’s chances. The Norwegian side shocked the world by beating Pep Guardiola’s side 3-1 in January but are unlikely to find joy of a similar note moving forward. Rounding off this category are Olympiacos, who have been issued a 0.10% chance of reigning triumphant.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 24-21RankTeamChance of Winning (%)24.Qarabag0.00%23.AS Monaco0.01%22.Bodo/Glimt0.03%21.Olympiacos0.10%Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 20-16dortmundTurkish outfit Galatasaray – spearheaded by one of the best strikers in world football, Victor Osimhen – are just ahead of Olympiacos with a 0.11% chance of going all the way. The Nigerian striker’s potency fired them to a 20th-place finish in the league phase and will now face a playoff encounter to secure passage into the knockout rounds.Club Brugge are arguably the biggest surprise in this category. The Belgian outfit endured tough away trips to Atalanta, Bayern Munich and Sporting, as well as home clashes against Monaco, Barcelona, Arsenal and Marseille – but they won three matches and bagged a playoff spot. In going all the way (0.13%), they’d become the first club in Belgium to win the tournament after losing the 1978 final vs Liverpool.Atalanta are next in 18th, being ranked at having just a 0.36% chance of winning the Champions League, with the furthest they have gone being the quarter-finals in 2019/20.Bayer Leverkusen picked up 12 points from their eight matches in the league phase but don’t have much hope of reaching the latter stages of the competition, hence their 0.32% chance of winning the lot.Benfica secured a playoff spot by the skin of their teeth but Jose Mourinho, as evidenced by previous spells, is a serial winner on the European stage. Anything is possible with the Portuguese at the helm and his men have been given a 0494% chance of accruing their first European title since 1962 – when they beat Real Madrid the year after defeating another Spanish giant in Barcelona.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 20-16RankTeamChance of Winning (%)20.Galatasaray0.11%19.Club Brugge0.13%18.Atalanta0.36%17.Bayer Leverkusen0.41%16.Benfica0.49%Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 15-11Tottenham players line up for squad photoBundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund (0.51%) are 15tg favourites, having last reached the final in 2024 when they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.Atletico Madrid have yet to win the Champions League and that is very likely to continue. They have a 0.78% chance of winning the accolade.Italian side and two-time winners Juventus have improved of late and their 0.89% chance of becoming the champions of Europe is probably fair.Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur hadn’t won a major honour in 17 years before their Europa League win last season, but continental success last time out and a flurry of summer signings has given them a 1.98% chance of winning the lot.Sporting CP, despite losing Ruben Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres in recent years, are flying the Portugal flag high in Europe this term – and they managed to finish inside the top eight of the league phase after five wins from their eight matches. Going all the way could prove a challenge, but they’ve still been offered a 2.04% chance of doing so.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 15-11RankTeamChance of Winning (%)15.Borussia Dortmund0.63%14.Atletico Madrid0.78%13.Juventus0.89%12.Tottenham Hotspur1.98%11.Sporting CP2.04%Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 10-6NewcastleReal Madrid have just a 2.34% chance of winning the lot this campaign – which may initially come as a surprise by virtue of their success on the continental stage.GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Real Madrid have won the most European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles – a record 15, eight more than second-placed AC Milan (8).Xabi Alonso’s departure, with the manager being replaced by Alvaro Arbeola, has rocked the boat, and they’ve struggled to emulate their form of previous seasons.Newcastle United (3.19%) are given a bigger chance than some massive European clubs, including Real Madrid, despite the Magpies finishing outside the automatic progression spots. They’re followed by last season’s beaten finalists, Inter Milan, who could replicate their success from previous seasons.GMS Report: Subscribe and never miss what mattersExclusive content from Ben Jacobs and other top journalists straight to your inbox!Email AddressSubscribeBy subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.Last season’s winners Paris Saint-Germain (who recorded a record-breaking 5-0 win over Inter) are all the way down in seventh, having been given a 4.48% chance of winning the title – though the talent at the disposal of Luis Enrique means that anything is possible and the French club going back-to-back is very possible.Last season’s semi-finalists, Barcelona, just miss out on a spot in the top five. They’ve been given a 7.01% chance of winning the trophy after missing out narrowly last season. As one of the best teams in world football, Lamine Yamal and company have every chance of breaking the trend and winning the lot, of course.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 10-6RankTeamChance of Winning (%)10.Real Madrid2.34%9.Newcastle United3.50%8.Inter Milan3.93%7.Paris Saint-Germain4.48%6.Barcelona5.84%Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 5-1arsenalFollowing their Europa Conference League success last term and their Club World Cup triumph in the summer, Chelsea are fifth and Liam Rosenior’s men have a 7.16% of winning the tournament.Arne Slot’s Liverpool, were knocked out by PSG last season in the round of 16, have struggled in the Premier League this season, but their strong showing in Europe so far means they have a 9.39% chance of reigning victorious.Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side are in third as they chase the trophy two years on from their triumph in Istanbul. They are followed by Bayern Munich – a team who finished second in the league phase thanks to Harry Kane’s firepower up top and Lennant Karl’s teenage brilliance behind him.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks onThat leaves Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side at the top of the tree, with the Opta supercomputer seeing them win the trophy in many of its simulations as the Gunners aim to end their half-decade wait without silverware. The Gunners became the 13th team in Champions League history to end the group stage/league phase with a flawless record and Opta believes they have a 29.18% of winning their first-ever title in Europe.Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds: 5-1RankTeamChance of Winning5.Chelsea7.16%4.Liverpool9.39%3.Manchester City11.65%2.Bayern Munich14.67%1.Arsenal29.18%All data per Opta’s supecomputer – correct as of 17/02/2026FootballUEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueLiverpoolLiverpoolFollowLikeShareThreadWe want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.Be the first to postThis thread is open for discussion.Be the first to post your thoughts.TermsPrivacyFeedbackRecommendedmax dowmanSep 10, 202525 English Football Clubs With Best Academies Ranked in New Study – Arsenal 2ndthomas tuchel englandSep 10, 2025England: Morgan Rogers Must Start Ahead of Jude Bellingham at World Cup 2026Oliver GlasnerSep 10, 2025Crystal Palace Squad: World Cup 2026 Selection Power RankingsShortsvlcsnap-2026-01-28-10h25m29s2453By GMS StaffJan 28, 20260:34Micah Richards just dropped his Premier League top 10vlcsnap-2026-01-28-15h18m51s2583By GMS StaffJan 28, 20260:41Antonio Conte opens up about Diego Costa: “I don’t waste my time”vlcsnap-2026-01-28-09h56m48s2913By GMS StaffJan 28, 20260:45Jeremy Doku reacts to Arsenal lossvlcsnap-2026-01-28-10h26m05s4343By GMS StaffJan 28, 20260:50Only REAL fans ace this Michael Carrick teammates quizvlcsnap-2026-01-28-10h22m23s9133By GMS StaffJan 28, 20260:55Ref makes history showing first ever WHITE cardMore from our brandschampions-league-wins-kane-vinicius-lewandowskiFootballFanCast logoThe top 10 clubs with the most wins in Champions League matchesJude-Bellingham-Champions-League-tableFootballFanCast logoChampions League: 2024/25 league phase standingschampions-league-high-scoring-games-barcelona-raphinhaFootballFanCast logoThe 11 highest-scoring Champions League matches of all timeGiveMeSport logoJoin Our TeamOur AudienceAbout UsPress & EventsMedia CoverageContact UsFollow UsValnet LogoAdvertisingCareersTermsPrivacyPoliciesGiveMeSport is part of the Valnet Publishing GroupCopyright © 2026 Valnet Inc.

The remaining clubs in the FA Cup now know who they’ll face next following the completion of the fifth-round draw.The competition dominated the weekend as fourth-round fixtures were played nationwide. Chelsea and Wrexham booked their places on Friday night, before West Ham United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Liverpool all progressed on Saturday.

The biggest shock came at Turf Moor, where League One outfit Mansfield Town stunned Premier League side Burnley with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. Josh Laurent gave Burnley an early lead in the 21st minute, but second-half strikes from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed turned the game on its head.Sunday saw further progression for Leeds United, Wolves, Sunderland, Fulham and Arsenal. Meanwhile, National League underdogs

Macclesfield FC — fresh from eliminating holders Crystal Palace in the previous round — faced Premier League opposition Brentford on Monday evening. Club owner Rob Smethurst admitted their Palace triumph felt like a “World Cup final,” calling this tie an added bonus.The fifth-round draw was conducted before kick-off at the Leasing.com Stadium, revealing a series of mouth-watering ties. Should Macclesfield overcome Brentford, they will earn a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.

Last season’s runners-up Manchester City have been handed a tough away clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United, while league leaders Arsenal will travel to take on giant killers Mansfield Town.Elsewhere, an all-Premier League showdown sees Wolves host Liverpool.

Full FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:

• Fulham vs SouthamptonPort Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland

• Newcastle United vs Manchester City

• Leeds United vs Norwich City

• Mansfield Town vs Arsenal

• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool

• Wrexham vs Chelsea

• West Ham United vs Macclesfield FC or Brentford

The fifth-round fixtures will be played across the weekend of March 7–8.

The remaining clubs in the FA Cup now know who they’ll face next following the completion of the fifth-round draw.

The competition dominated the weekend as fourth-round fixtures were played nationwide. Chelsea and Wrexham booked their places on Friday night, before West Ham United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Liverpool all progressed on Saturday.

The biggest shock came at Turf Moor, where League One outfit Mansfield Town stunned Premier League side Burnley with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. Josh Laurent gave Burnley an early lead in the 21st minute, but second-half strikes from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed turned the game on its head.

Sunday saw further progression for Leeds United, Wolves, Sunderland, Fulham and Arsenal. Meanwhile, National League underdogs Macclesfield FC — fresh from eliminating holders Crystal Palace in the previous round — faced Premier League opposition Brentford on Monday evening. Club owner Rob Smethurst admitted their Palace triumph felt like a “World Cup final,” calling this tie an added bonus.

The fifth-round draw was conducted before kick-off at the Leasing.com Stadium, revealing a series of mouth-watering ties. Should Macclesfield overcome Brentford, they will earn a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United. Last season’s runners-up Manchester City have been handed a tough away clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United, while league leaders Arsenal will travel to take on giant killers Mansfield Town.

Elsewhere, an all-Premier League showdown sees Wolves host Liverpool.

Full FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:

Fulham vs Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Leeds United vs Norwich City
Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool
Wrexham vs Chelsea
West Ham United vs Macclesfield FC or Brentford
The fifth-round fixtures will be played across the weekend of March 7–8.

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Liverpool are still optimistic about holding on to Ibrahima Konate, despite growing interest from Real Madrid, according to Fichajes.

The French defender has been a key figure at Anfield, but with his contract nearing its final stages, uncertainty surrounds his future. Although Real Madrid were previously reported by The Athletic to have cooled their pursuit, the Spanish giants are now said to have revived their interest ahead of the summer window. Even so, Liverpool remain hopeful of persuading Konate to stay.

Why Liverpool must keep Konate

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has consistently delivered strong performances and remains a vital part of Liverpool’s defence. At just 26, he is still approaching his prime and could become a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk as the team’s defensive leader.

With Van Dijk unlikely to maintain a relentless schedule of full matches indefinitely, retaining Konate would be crucial for continuity and stability. Letting him leave for nothing would also represent a major financial loss, especially with his market value estimated at around €50m.

Given his quality, it’s no surprise that Real Madrid — and potentially other elite clubs — are monitoring his situation closely. After the disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid on a free transfer last summer, Liverpool will be eager to avoid a repeat and are expected to push hard to secure Konate’s future.

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Liverpool’s bosses have reportedly settled on their “ideal” long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, although signing him could be far from straightforward.Salah is under contract at Anfield until June 2027, but with the iconic forward set to turn 35 that same month, FSG are already considering who could eventually take over his role and influence on Merseyside.

One name that has been repeatedly linked in recent months is Michael Olise. Journalist Lewis Steele has previously highlighted the Bayern Munich attacker as a player to keep an eye on in Liverpool’s transfer plans this year.

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s decision-makers are said to be “unanimous” in believing that Olise is the closest possible fit to becoming Salah’s successor. They have reportedly been impressed by the 24-year-old’s mix of creativity, productivity in front of goal, and tactical awareness.

Although players such as Yan Diomande, Nico Williams, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have also been mentioned as options, Olise is viewed as Liverpool’s top priority for the right-wing role. However, persuading Bayern to let him go could be extremely difficult.

Sources close to the Frenchman claim he is not in a hurry to return to the Premier League, while Bayern are also believed to be planning fresh contract talks, despite Olise already being tied to the club until 2029.

Liverpool’s interest is easy to understand when looking at his numbers this season, with Olise recording 13 goals and 25 assists in 34 appearances. His underlying stats also reportedly show how dangerous he has been compared to other Bundesliga players in the same position.

Because of his impact, Bayern are said to be unwilling to entertain offers unless they reach around £120m. It remains unclear whether Liverpool would be willing or able to meet that kind of fee in the summer.

Champions League qualification could strengthen Liverpool’s position, both financially and in terms of convincing Olise that a move to Anfield would be worthwhile.

Right now, a deal for the 24-year-old looks difficult, but FSG may feel it’s worth aiming high when planning for life after Salah. The situation could become more urgent this summer if Liverpool receive a huge offer for the Egyptian as he enters the final year of his deal — though the hope is that fans will still get as much time as possible from the legendary winger before that day arrives.