Report: Ibrahima Konate makes clear demand to Real Madrid which leaves Spanish giants flummoxed

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Real Madrid are reportedly unconvinced that Ibrahima Konate is worth the signing-on fee he is looking for to join from Liverpool.The Frenchman remains locked in talks with the Reds as his contract ticks into its final three months, with all signs currently pointing towards a free transfer exit.Without a fee needed to secure his services, Spanish outlet Defensa Central have claimed that Konate is asking Real for £13-15.5m as a signing-on bonus, a figure the Madrid side are not so sure about paying. Which Liverpool player would you most like to see lift the World Cup this summer?

And which one has the best chance… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andre Weening/BSR Agency/Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Franco Arland/Marcelo Endelli Real not convinced Konate is worth the moneyAs Konate looks to nail down his future, the March international break may provide the final chance for Liverpool to hand him an extension.If the centre-back does end up leaving, though, it remains unclear where exactly he would go.Previous reports have suggested that Madrid are not interested in Konate, and this latest claim would appear to corroborate that.Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Clarity arrives on whether Hugo Ekitike will join France squad after Liverpool injuryDefensa Central say Real Madrid are not ‘entirely convinced’ by the France international’s signing-on demands, and are wondering whether to simply stick with Antonio Rudiger instead.RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is also said to remain under consideration at the Santiago Bernabeu, but with Konate’s fellow Frenchman also boasting a high asking-price, Madrid are reportedly wondering whether to simply hold what they have instead.Analysis: Konate may have no option but to stayThere will, of course, be other teams across Europe who are interested in signing Konate on a free transfer.However, given the nature of his demands, he is narrowing the pool of clubs who are able to afford him.

Just how bad do you want Arne Slot gone? 😬 Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images PSG will always be in the mix where Konate is concerned, but – as Liverpool will soon find out – they are not exactly short of top-class centre-backs.Barcelona’s financial situation is notoriously complicated, while none of the big Italian clubs will even come into the conversation.Bayern Munich could be ones to watch, and could try to partner Konate with former Leipzig teammate Dayot Upamecano, who has just been signed to a big contract.However, if Real truly are positioning themselves to be out of the running, then Konate may ultimately have no option but to lower his wage demands and accept what Liverpool are currently putting on the table. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox