Transfer News: Barcelona to rival Real Madrid for Liverpool's contract rebel

Barcelona have reportedly entered the race for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and could be set to lock horns with eternal rivals Real Madrid for the France international’s signature. 

The Blaugrana have placed Konate on their wish list for centre-backs, according to Caught Offside, as they prepare for a future without Andreas Christensen and ageing Inigo Martinez. 

Barcelona planned to sign a defender this summer, as they expected to lose Ronald Araujo and Christensen. However, with the Uruguayan set to stay and Christensen's future unresolved, they have postponed signing a player in that position. 

However, Konate's availability is viewed as a unique market situation. The 26-year-old former Leipzig star is in the last year of his contract and has rejected Liverpool's approach for a renewal. 

If he remains a contract rebel, he will be available for free next summer. However, Liverpool have slapped a €40 million price tag on him for clubs looking to get him a year early. 

Should the Blaugrana decide to move for Konate, they will have to rival Real Madrid for his signature, and Los Blancos have a longstanding interest in the Frenchman and are leading the race for his signature. 

The record UCL winners initially planned on snapping him up on the free agency market, as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, recent reports suggest they are willing to pay Liverpool to get him this summer, but nothing close to the Reds €40 million demand.