Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool contract bombshell with two first team stars set for new long-term deals

Two Liverpool stars are reportedly set to sign long-term contracts with the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds began this season with several key players entering the final year of their contracts.

It is something the club have been able to avoid in past seasons, especially in 2022, when Mohamed Salah agreed to a new deal in the pre-season before his contract was due to expire.

But this time around, the trio of Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk could all leave the club on free transfers next summer at present.

However, while discussions are yet to reach an advanced stage with any of those three, Romano reports that two other Liverpool stars are close to agreeing new long-term contracts.

Ibrahima Konate, who has partnered Van Dijk at centre-back regularly this season, has reportedly entered discussions with Liverpool as he is seen as a 'key part of the project'.

The Frenchman joined Liverpool in 2021, and his current deal expires in 2026. He scored his first Premier League goal in a 2-1 victory over Wolves last month.

And the other player is Jarell Quansah, who was substituted at half-time during the opening day win over Ipswich and hasn't started a league game since, but is still highly thought of by Slot.

His form last season - off the back of a loan spell at League One side Bristol Rovers - earned him a spot in the 33-man provisional England squad for Euro 2024. He was not named in the final squad.

Quansah's existing deal is due to expire in 2027, but the Reds are keen to agree fresh terms.

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah pictured - Getty

Romano posted: "Liverpool have opened talks over new deal for Ibrahima Konate as he's considered key part of the project.

"Discussions ongoing and expected to advance soon as Ibrahima is happy at Liverpool."

On Quansah, he wrote: "Liverpool are closing in on the agreement to extend Jarell Quansah contract, new deal with pay rise ready.

"Quansah has already accepted to stay."

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League table, with six wins and a defeat from their opening seven league matches under Arne Slot.