Ibrahima Konate has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and looks no closer to signing a new deal.
According to Bild, Bayern Munich have made contact with Konate about a summer move.
Bayern are wary of losing Dayot Upamecano for free this summer, and Konate is a potential replacement for his compatriot.
However, they are not alone in the race to sign Konate if he leaves Liverpool, with Real Madrid also linked with him.
Liverpool fans may have to brace themselves for another painful farewell. Just as the club lost Trent Alexander-Arnold for free last summer, the same fate could await Konate.
The 26-year-old’s reluctance to commit to fresh terms, despite Liverpool’s best efforts, paints a bleak picture.
The signs are ominous, and while supporters may still hope for a late twist a la Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, the reality is they could soon bid goodbye to one of their top defenders.
With Bayern and Madrid lurking, the Reds can’t afford to be caught flat-footed again.
Contingency planning must begin now, with Marc Guehi, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ousmane Diomande and Upamecano at the forefront.
They each offer experience, physical presence, youth and tactical intelligence – exactly what Liverpool will need if Konate follows Alexander-Arnold out the Anfield door.
