Ibrahima Konate has reportedly become the latest Liverpool player to be targeted by a Saudi Arabian club, in this case Al-Ittihad.
While Jurgen Klopp was keen to refresh his squad after the end of 2022-23, the German did not anticipate having to cope with his players being constantly linked with a switch to the Middle East.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have each moved to Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq respectively, while there has been no shortage of speculation regarding the future of Mohamed Salah.
Barring a surprise change of stance from Liverpool, Salah will remain at Anfield for the current season, but that has not stopped more of his teammates attracting admirers from the Saudi Pro League.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Joe Gomez was a target for Al-Ittihad, who are seemingly looking to capitalise on the England international falling down the pecking order.
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Like in the case of Salah, Gomez is unlikely to leave the Merseyside giants at this stage of the transfer window as Klopp is already requiring reinforcements before Friday's September 1 deadline.
Nevertheless, according to RMC Sport, another Liverpool player in the form of Konate is now on their radar.
Having failed to tempt Nice into selling Jean-Clair Todibo or the player into departing Europe, it is alleged that his French compatriot is now their preferred option for the middle of their backline.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has claimed, however, that the 24-year-old holds a similar stance to Todibo in that he wishes to remain at his current club.
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Although Konate has been restricted to 55 appearances in all competitions since his 2021 arrival due to injuries, he is regarded as first choice when fit.
The France international also has three years remaining on his existing contract and wants to play his part in an improved campaign after Liverpool only finished fifth in the Premier League last season.
While Al-Ittihad have signed world-class names such as N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to follow other Public Investment Fund-controlled clubs in signing a high-profile centre-back.
However, the defending Saudi Pro League champions are yet to concede a goal in their opening four league matches, winning each of those fixtures having scored a total of 12 times.
