Liverpool may be ready to part ways with one of their established starters following their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park — a result that left manager Arne Slot visibly frustrated.The setback has placed several players under the microscope, with criticism aimed at their lack of consistency. Among those singled out is centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, whose struggles against Jean-Philippe Mateta raised fresh questions about his long-term future alongside Virgil van Dijk.Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool are now open to the idea of letting the French international move on, provided they can secure a replacement.> “I’m told Liverpool are prepared for him to leave. They’ll need a replacement of course, but the interest they showed in Marc Guehi over the summer shows they’re ready to refresh their defence,” Brown explained.Liverpool had held talks over extending Konaté’s contract earlier this month, but progress has been limited. After his error-strewn display at Palace, there is speculation that the club could make a U-turn on keeping him beyond next summer.Real Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, with growing confidence that they could tempt the defender away from Anfield.Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to be prioritising a new centre-back signing in January, with Guehi still at the top of their list after they failed to land him during the last transfer window. The Palace captain is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, making him an attractive option.For now, Slot’s senior defensive options are limited to Konaté, Van Dijk, and Joe Gomez following Giovanni Leoni’s injury setback — a concern that only underlines the club’s need for reinforcements.
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