Respected Liverpool journalist reveals 'whispers' growing around player Arne Slot cannot afford to lose

A well-respected journalist has revealed exactly what he knows about a key Liverpool player’s future – and it’s not Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The trio mentioned are all out of contract at the end of the season and could leave without the Reds receiving a transfer fee.

And over the past few months, Salah, 32, in particular, has been the most outspoken about his future.

Nonetheless, the Egyptian has continued to impress, scoring 30 goals and registering 21 assists in 38 appearances for the Premier League leaders this season.

He even set six records during Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, which saw them go 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

And given the fact they have a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on the horizon and are in the last 16 of the Champions League, Slot has several things to feel positive about.

However, the contractual situations of Alexander-Arnold, 26, Van Dijk, 33, and Salah will undoubtedly be in his thoughts. Slot, 46, will be keen to avoid a similar situation occurring next year.

French centre-back Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new deal - with his current contract set to expire in June 2026 – despite the club reportedly offering him new terms.

Ibrahima Konate is out of contract next summer (Credit:Getty)

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, ‘whispers’ are growing about interest from Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga champions Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been ravaged by an injury crisis in defensive areas this season, with the likes of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao having all sustained long-term injuries this term.

As for PSG, veteran centre-back Marquinhos is a stalwart in Luis Enrique’s side, but there is seemingly room for the arrival of another defender to compliment the veteran Brazilian.

Konate, 25, addressed the situation during a press conference last month and replied "Yes" when asked if he had been offered a new deal by the club

“This is another conversation," he added when questioned on whether he was close to signing it.

The centre-back has featured 29 times for Liverpool this season, and is one half of a formidable defensive partnership with Van Dijk.