Liverpool are reportedly wary of losing another star player to Real Madrid but have already identified a potential replacement.
It has been a brilliant season so far for new boss Arne Slot, who had the tough task of replacing the much-loved Jurgen Klopp.
Currently, the Reds are favourites to win the Premier League as they hold a 13-point lead over Arsenal with 11 matches to play.
In Europe, Liverpool are also one of the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League but face a tricky last-16 tie against French giants Paris Saint Germain.
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Despite the stellar season, the future of some of Liverpool's star players remains uncertain.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are set to walk away from Anfield for free this summer upon the expiration of their current contracts.
To date, no new terms have been agreed with the trio and Alexander-Arnold has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid.
Real Madrid target another Liverpool star after Trent Alexander-Arnold
Aside from the full-back, it has been claimed that Los Blancos are also targeting centre-half Ibrahima Konate, whose contract runs out in the summer of 2026.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Madrid's interest in Konate is 'very real' with president Florentino Perez 'keen' on bringing the 25-year-old to the Spanish capital.
It has been suggested that Madrid could face competition from PSG for Konate's signature.
The report also mentioned that Liverpool and the Frenchman's representatives opened talks over a new contract last year, but no agreement is believed to be close.
Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordonez, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool and could be a potential replacement if Konate leaves the club.
The 20-year-old has so far played a key role in Club Brugge's run to the Champions League round of 16, where they were beaten 3-1 in the first leg by Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
Aside from Liverpool, it has been suggested that Villa and Everton are also keeping a keen eye on Ordonez.
After taking on PSG on Wednesday night, Liverpool are back in Premier Legaue action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Southampton at Anfield.
Topics: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Champions League, Ibrahima Konate, Football
Marcus Chan