Liverpool already putting plans in place as they prepare for Ibrahima Konate exit

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Liverpool could be in for a summer of change as they face key decisions over a number of players.

Just six weeks out from the end of the campaign, the Reds still do not know whether they will be able to call upon Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold next season.

But it is not only that key trio who could end their Liverpool careers this summer.

There is also intense speculation over the future of Ibrahima Konate, who himself has just one year remaining on his contract.

Konate has had a good season at Anfield, establishing himself as Van Dijk’s first choice partner in what is set to be a Premier League-winning campaign.

However with Konate reportedly being targeted by Real Madrid, reports from Africa claim Liverpool are already eyeing the Frenchman’s replacement.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Sikou Niakate

A big, big few months lie ahead for Liverpool in terms of what happens with their centre-back options next season.

It isn’t only Konate and Van Dijk, Jarell Quansah is being linked with a move away, while there are continuous question marks over Joe Gomez.

Should any of the quartet go, Liverpool will need to do something. And according to Africa Foot, that may involve signing Braga centre-back Sikou Niakate.

They claim that Liverpool are ‘very interested’ in Niakate’s profile after sending scouts to watch him on several occasions this season. The Malian is reportedly seen as a direct replacement should Konate leave.

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Niakate is also said to be viewed as a player who could perfectly fit into the Premier League’s style of play and has previously been targeted by Manchester City and Manchester United.

Liverpool could sign Niakate for around £26m, with the defender having a release clause woven into his contract at Braga.

Who is Sikou Niakate?

Liverpool clearly need to put in some renovation on their centre-back options even if Konate and Van Dijk both sign new deals to stay at Anfield.

Van Dijk is not getting any younger and will need to replaced at some point, but Niakate will not be seen as a candidate for that.

Turning 26 this summer, the Mali international has spent all of his career to date in France and Portugal, taking in stints at Valenciennes, Guingamp, Metz and now Braga.

That is not the kind of CV which will impress Liverpool supporters, especially as a potential successor to Konate.

Clearly, as one of the best centre-backs of his age in Europe, Reds fans will instead be hoping that Konate puts pen to paper and ends any speculation over his future at the club.