Ibrahima Konate makes Real Madrid transfer joke after Kylian Mbappe shows preference

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has joked Kylian Mbappe calls him “every two hours” as links to Real Madrid ramp up. The Frenchman is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season.

As it stands, there is no sign of a renewed deal and should that be allowed to expire, Konate would be available for free in less than a year's time - Real Madrid reportedly among the clubs aiming to take advantage of that fact. And Konate has now teased that he is in talks with Madrid star Mbappe every single day.

Asked on Telefoot if Mbappe had attempted to convince him to move to Spain, he joked: “He calls me every two hours.” Meanwhile, Koante was then asked if he was able to speak Spanish, replying with an emphatic “no”.

Intriguingly, Mbappe has already namechecked Liverpool during the current international break. Asked to give his verdict on the Premier League this season, he was under no illusions that the Reds and Konate will be challengers for the title.

"Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they're determined to win one title after another," he said in an interview with Bild.

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"But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that's a crucial factor in football. And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.”

Asked for his prediction about the eventual champions, he replied: "That's tough. Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool."

Elsewhere, Konate has already broken his silence regarding his future. Speaking earlier this summer, he said: "You know, I just want to say one thing: Everything you saw on social media is completely fake.

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“I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.

"The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end...I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me!?'

"Because it was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.”

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