Liverpool braced for Real Madrid 'lowball' as Rodrygo transfer talks gain momentum

Liverpool are reportedly bracing themselves for a cheeky offer from Real Madrid while also making progress in their pursuit of Rodrygo. The two clubs have already done business with each other this window, with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid paid a transfer fee of around £10million to sign the defender just weeks before the expiry of his contract.

They wanted him in their squad for the Club World Cup, with Alexander-Arnold playing in five of their six games and producing two assists. Now, it seems Liverpool could be about to strike two more deals with Real Madrid. The first would involve Ibrahima Konate, who has reportedly emerged as a key target for the Spanish giants.

A 'lowball offer' could soon arrive on the table, according to Football Insider, with Liverpool not in the strongest position to negotiate. Konate is entering the final year of his contract, meaning he is on course to become a free agent next summer.

Real Madrid would reportedly prefer to sign the Frenchman this summer, rather than waiting until his deal expires. As a result, they are said to be plotting a £25m bid in the knowledge that Liverpool could reluctantly be forced to cash in.

Those in power at Anfield might have to take what they can get unless a miracle breakthrough is reached in talks over a new contract. If they refuse to sell, Real Madrid could simply wait until next year and sign Konate on a free transfer.

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Meanwhile, it has been claimed that Liverpool are pressing ahead in talks over a move for Rodrygo. His immediate future is up in the air, with rumours of a Premier League switch gaining plenty of traction.

According to AS, the winger has been identified as a priority target by Liverpool. They reportedly want him to become their new 'star forward', playing alongside Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike as part of a formidable attacking trio.

Xabi Alonso has maintained that he is yet to decide what the future holds for Rodrygo, but there is rarely smoke without fire. He has also been linked with a potential move to Arsenal, which suggests Liverpool will need to act quickly to snap him up.

Rodrygo prefers to play on the left flank, making him a like-for-like replacement for Luis Diaz. The latter is eager to leave Anfield this summer and has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich.

A move for Rodrygo will certainly not come cheap, with Real Madrid said to be demanding a transfer fee in excess of £80m. Liverpool could decide to use Konate as a bargaining chip to reduce that figure in a move which could suit all parties.

It remains to be seen how the situation will play out in the coming weeks, with plenty of time left for both deals to be done.

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