Liverpool are set to complete the transfer of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig after agreeing to meet his £40million release clause.
The centre back, who turns 22 today, is in France preparing for his country’s European U21 Championship quarter-final against Holland next week, and German sources understand he will resolve his move to Anfield imminently.
Liverpool have been looking to strengthen in central defence after losing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to injury this season.
They identified Konate as a target last year but he suffered an ankle injury in December and was an unused substitute in both Champions League knockout games between the two clubs in the round of 16.
Konate featured 21 times for the German outfit this season but only started eight matches in the Bundesliga as Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano and Willi Orban established themselves as the first-choice centre-back pairing.
Leipzig are already understood to be looking for a replacement for Konate with France also keen that the deal is wrapped up quickly so he can focus on his international commitments.
Ironically, the Bundesliga club have shown an interest in Ozan Kabak who has been on loan at Liverpool since January.
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