Fresh contract drama is unfolding at Anfield, with reports suggesting that Liverpool could lose one of their defensive pillars for free next summer.According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, negotiations over a new deal for the 26-year-old centre-back have stalled, leaving uncertainty hanging over his long-term future. The French international, who featured in his nation’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Ukraine last week, is now attracting serious attention from abroad.Transfer expert Nicolò Schira has claimed that the defender has already turned down a lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia in favour of a long-term offer reportedly on the table from Real Madrid, who want him tied down until 2031.🚨 “Konaté’s plans are set – he’s ready to leave Liverpool as a free agent at the end of the season. He has rejected a huge Saudi bid. Real Madrid are negotiating a deal starting July, offering a contract until 2031.” – Schira (via X)Could Liverpool Cash In Earlier?Sources close to the transfer market suggest that the Reds may not wait until the summer to act. If the Frenchman continues to delay signing an extension, Liverpool are prepared to listen to offers in the January transfer window.The club would almost certainly look to bring in a replacement before allowing any departure, but exactly who that might be is still unclear. Joyce has previously reported that Liverpool are unlikely to test Crystal Palace’s resolve over Marc Guehi in January, although circumstances could change if the Eagles decide to cash in before his own deal winds down.What is clear, however, is that Liverpool will not risk heading into the second half of the season with only Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni as their senior central defenders. That scenario would leave Arne Slot dangerously short at the back.