EXCLUSIVE: Deal to sign £32,000/week star is 'a matter of time'

A source close to Anfield Central believes that it's a matter of time before a deal is struck between RB Leipzig and Liverpool for the transfer of Ibrahima Konate.

In mid-February, we reported that sporting director Michael Edwards was working on a deal to sign Konate before the end of the season.

A source close to the Merseyside club now tells us that there is an understanding between RB Leipzig and Liverpool that Konate will move to Anfield and it's essentially a matter of time before the two parties reach an agreement on the particulars.

The main sticking point right now is Liverpool's attempt to bring the price down. Konate is keen to leave the Bundesliga and feels under-appreciated and in Upamecano's shadow, so to speak.

Leipzig understand that the defender has made his mind up about joining Liverpool after speaking with Jurgen Klopp on the phone.

The German's way of making players feel wanted and special is something the 1.92cm giant appreciates.

Michael Edwards wants Konate's €40million (£34.1m) release clause to be reduced and paid in instalments instead of up it being paid upfront in full. Football finances have shifted drastically since the pandemic hit and this has affected the approach clubs are taking to amortizing fees.

While negotiations are ongoing, our source reports that it's inevitable that an agreement will be reached between Liverpool and RB Leipzig.

The Reds will be signing a player that is imperfect but capable of becoming a world-class defender if he can work on his passing.

His main strengths are his ability to step forward and intercept passes before they reach strikers and he also has a Joel Matip-esque style of carrying the ball forward into midfield which is hugely difficult for midfielders to defend against if they're caught flat footed.