Liverpool have had a rollicking start to their Premier League campaign with five wins out of the firrst five games to kick-start their title defense.
However, the Reds find themselves in a tricky situation with Giovanni Leoni suffering an ACL injury and getting sidelined for multiple months.
It leaves them shorthanded in centre-back options and with Ibrahima Konate not agreeing to a new transfer, it is gradually believed that the Frenchman has made up his mind to leave Anfield on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.
Real Madrid have been in the market for the France international and with Arsenal star William Saliba signing a new contract, Los Blancos may look to prioritize Konate's move for next summer.
According to reports via BILD, Liverpool are also planning their succession meticulously as they are aiming to bring Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano to Anfield next summer.
The former RB Leipzig man is another centre-back who's current contract is expiring next summer and could be on the move if he does not get his demands fulfilled in Bavaria.
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Upamecano has shown great growth under Vincent Kompany, developing into Bayern Munich's most important piece in the backline.
Arne Slot has followed the Frenchman and believes that he could be a great option to directly replace Konate if he decides to move on.
Bayern Munich are in talks with Upamecano's camp over a new contract
Upamecano has been easily one of the most improved players for Bayern Munich since Kompany's arrival at the club.
He was earlier considered unreliable for his sudden lapses of concentration but now it seems like he has become more matured and reads the game with more precision.
Therefore, the 26-year-old reportedly sees him as an important player for the Bavarians and reportedly has demanded similar wages like Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, etc.
But Bayern are apparently looking to reduce the wage bill and are ready to offer a lower sum something which Upamecano isn't ready to accept.
The Frenchman has no issues in prolonging his stay in Bavaria so the only difference between the two camps is on the monetary side of the deal.
People in and around the Bayern's hierarchy believe that they will amicably settle the contract renewal in the next few months as losing him on a free transfer would be a massive blow.
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