Liverpool star 'rejects lucrative Saudi transfer approach' as stance clear

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate has reportedly rejected a lucrative approach from the Saudi Pro League, expressing his desire to stay in Europe. The French international centre-back is now in the final year of his contract at Anfield and currently, is not close to signing a new deal on Merseyside.

Negotiations with Liverpool have hit a stalemate in recent months and Real Madrid are believed to be considering Konate for a free transfer after recently acquiring Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield.

However, The Mirror report that an anonymous club from Saudi Arabia reached out to Konate through his representatives last week, expressing interest in signing the former RB Leipzig star this summer. But Konate declined the opportunity to enter negotiations, reaffirming his commitment to remain in Europe where he wishes to continue playing at the top level.

If Konate had shown any willingness towards the move, the unnamed suitor would have been prepared to initiate talks with Liverpool regarding a deal.

Liverpool are keen to resolve Konate's ongoing contract issue but there is an increasing belief that the 26-year-old might be waiting for a move to Real Madrid, with whom he can start discussions from January 1.

The Reds are open to bringing in another central defender before the transfer window closes, having recently sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35million deal.

Liverpool's defence is a bit thin, with Wataru Endo seen as potential cover alongside Joe Gomez, and Andy Robertson also filled in at left centre-back in the friendly victory over Preston.

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is on Liverpool's radar, and they've also scouted Ajax's Dutch U21 international Jorrel Hato. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would entertain offers for Konate this summer - given his contract situation is currently uncertain - especially as they've received no formal bids for him yet.

For now, the champions seem to be focusing on signing a high-profile attacker, having made an enquiry for Newcastle's star player Alexander Isak.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell, but Liverpool are also considering Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike if Newcastle refuse to cooperate.

The Magpies have already had a bid of up to £69m including add-ons turned down for the Frenchman, who they'd like to partner with Isak at St James' Park.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have also rebuffed an initial offer of up to £58.6m from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz.

The Colombian international is reportedly open to a move, but Liverpool want to retain the player and believe Bayern's offer is significantly below his market value.

Napoli have also shown interest in Darwin Nunez, who has also attracted attention from the Middle East, but so far the Italians haven't come close to meeting Liverpool's asking price.