Sporting director of RB Leipzig Markus Krosche has ruled out defender Ibrahima Konate moving to Liverpool.
The 21-year old centre-back has been linked to the 2019/20 Premier League champions as they look to strength their defence.
This season, Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all suffered long term injuries, leaving Liverpool scrambling for replacements.
Ozan Kabak joined on loan, whilst Ben Davies signed from Preston. Additionally, youngsters such as Rhys Williams and Nat Philips have been given runs in the side.
Furthermore, Midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have both made defensive cameo’s for The Reds.
However, Jurgen Klopp has also set his eyes on Konate, with rumours circulating that Liverpool are ready to trigger his £34 million pound release clause.
However, Krosche has ruled this out.
What’s been said?
Krosche commented: “I think that this is not an option of Ibu.
“He has a long contract with us and he knows what we mean to him and what he means to us.
“He was unlucky last year as he had a long-term injury but this year he is developing well and he is an extremely important player that has a lot of potential.”
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One of the main reasons for Leipzig’s desire to not sell is the fact that defender Dayot Upamecano has already agreed to depart the side, and is set to join rivals Bayern Munich in the summer.
Krosche continued: “We want to help him develop further, and we play in Europe and have a very good team, so I don’t see a reason for him to leave us.”
However, despite this statement, Krosche and Leipzig may not be able to hold onto the player.
RMC reports that Konate has undergone an initial Liverpool medical in Paris, ahead of a summer move.
In response, Konate said: “I woke up, I saw my phone buzz on all sides, I just wanted to say to them: “Eh, I played yesterday, I am tired, leave me alone.” Honestly I am not even looking at that.
“We cannot focus on that, we have the Euros and then my return to the club next. I need to concentrate on this and not on external things.”
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