Liverpool are pursuing a £35million deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate to bolster their centre-back options for the new season.
A third-place finish which guaranteed Champions League football – something which had looked highly unlikely with 10 matches to go – has given the club the confidence to press ahead with their interest in the 22-year-old.
Interest in Konate means the club will not be taking up the £18million option to make Ozan Kabak’s loan from Schalke permanent.
The 21-year-old was signed in January, along with Preston’s Ben Davies, who failed to make an appearance for them in the final four months of the season, as cover for their trio of injured centre-backs Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
The 24-year-old, who was on the verge of a loan move to Swansea in October, made 20 appearances this season and became something of a cult hero with fans, but while his aerial prowess was a welcome addition for Jurgen Klopp’s side, his lack of pace is likely to count against him in the long run.
Rhys Williams, the 20-year-old who made 19 appearances and finished the season as Phillips’ regular partner, is likely to be retained with a view to sending out on loan a player who 18 months ago had a temporary spell at Kidderminster in the National League North.
