Ibrahima Konate has revealed he is ‘close’ to extending his stay with Liverpool.
Konate’s existing deal with the Premier League champions is set to expire at the end of this season amid protracted negotiations over a new long-term contract.
Arne Slot previously admitted that the Reds were still hopeful of tying down the France international beyond the summer, when he would become a free agent.
But Konate confirmed after Sunday’s last-gasp win over Everton that he is nearing an agreement with the Anfield hierarchy that would bring the saga to a positive end.
He said: “To be fair, there are many things people have said [about my future].
“But for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement.
“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.
“For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract.
“But when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”
Konate is the fourth automatic Liverpool starter whose long-term future remained unresolved until the final weeks of the campaign in the previous 12 months.
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah both sign new deals while Trent Alexander-Arnold brokered a free transfer to Real Madrid ahead of the season’s end.
Asked about his own situation dragging on, Konate replied: “Yes but this is [part of] negotiation.
“With Virgil and Mo last season it was exactly the same.
“I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”