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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterWhile Liverpools hopes of successfully defending their Premier League title were extinguished some time ago, Arne Slots sides hopes of a strong end to the season were boosted at the weekend when they claimed a last-gasp win over local rivals Everton.Skipper Virgil van Dijk netted in the tenth minute of stoppage time to win the first Merseyside derby played at the Toffees' Hill Dickinson Stadium, a result which also boosted the Reds hopes of securing a Champions League place.Going into the final five games of the season, Liverpool sit seven points clear of Chelsea in the final Champions League qualification spot and were also boosted by news of a potential new contract following the victory over Everton. You may like Liverpool star forced into contract U-turn with knock-on effect for Anfield youngster: report Liverpool star dealt new �60m kick in the teeth amid fresh injury woe Liverpool in talks with future captain over huge deal: report Liverpool star set to pen new dealGet VIP Liverpool tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Seat Unique tickets at Anfield offer a fantastic matchday. You get premium padded seats in the new Anfield Road stand (Block AM5, front rows) and access to the Brodies Lounge for three hours pre-match. Enjoy street food, a complimentary half-time drink, a matchday programme, and entertainment, including a Liverpool legend appearance, making it a truly elevated experience.View DealFollowing the recent announcements that Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson will be leaving the club at the end of the season, Liverpool fans have had one eye on the contract situation regarding centre-back Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.The France international joined five years ago from RB Leipzig in a �35million move and has made more than 175 appearances for the club across all competitions.With his contract dwindling down, the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Inter Milan have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent months, but it now appears that Konate is closing in on an extended stay at Anfield."There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," Konate said following Sundays Merseyside derby win, as per the BBC.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way."He continued: "For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted."I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet. When he's going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."In FourFourTwos view, news of an impending fresh deal for Konate should be welcomed at the club.While Konates form has undeniably dipped this season, he is still ranked 12th in FourFourTwo's list of the best centre-backs in the world right now and has been a vital player for the club over the past three seasons.Liverpool are clearly in a transitional period and with Van Dijk going into the final year of his contract, Konate can provide some consistancy in the Reds' back-line as they look to identify the Dutchmans long-term successor.TOPICSIbrahima KonatePremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.
