Ibrahima Konaté Says Close to New Liverpool Contract After Emotional Season

Ibrahima Konaté has said he is close to agreeing a new contract with Liverpool, having informed the club he wanted to stay during negotiations last year. The France international's deal expires this summer and, with talks over an extension dragging on for over 12 months, Liverpool have been at risk of losing another asset on a free transfer alongside Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Konaté has attempted to allay those concerns, however, and claimed he is close to extending his successful five-year Anfield career. Speaking after Liverpool's dramatic late win in the Merseyside derby, the defender said: "My future? 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. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. "There is a big chance I'm here next season. This is what I always wanted. I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet." Konaté insisted he had no concerns over the time it has taken to sort a new contract. "This is negotiation," he said. "With Virgil [van Dijk] and Mo [Salah] last season it was exactly the same. I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it." The 26-year-old has endured a difficult season off and on the pitch, with losing his father in January and his form inconsistent. Konaté returned early from compassionate leave to help Liverpool out of a defensive shortage against Newcastle and scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield in the 4-1 win. Konaté said: "It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I've done for this club. I think it is great and one day I will take the time to think about it. "Right now I am focused on the end of the season and making sure we are qualified for the Champions League next season. After, we take the time to talk about this season because it's going to be a big part of my story. It's sad in one part, but it's very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and the people who support this club."