Ibrahima Konate set to leave Liverpool on free transfer, Reds weigh up Yan Diomande alternative - Paper Round

The Standard is just one of many outlets claiming The Reds have failed to reach an agreement with the defender, whose contract expires in June.

As a result, he will follow Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah out of the exit door.

Konate made 51 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season and will give Arne Slot another void to fill in the summer transfer market.

The report reads: "One of the various distasteful narratives undercutting Liverpool’s turbulent season centred around Konate. The Frenchman’s contract will expire on June 30 and for much of the season it seemed he would not extend.

"It then emerged in April that he was closing in on an agreement with the club over a new deal, and Arne Slot himself said there was little more to do than 'iron out' minor details.

"New reports emerged from TalkSPORT on Thursday night, however, stating he has failed to reach an agreement with the club and will join the growing queue of players looking to leave Anfield this summer."

Liverpool have made RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande their primary summer target but could turn to Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, according to the Mail.

The Reds see Diomande as the "frontrunner" to replace the outgoing Salah, but any deal to land the 19-year-old will not be straightforward.

Diomande would cost £86 million to buy, while there are also complications surrounding the player's agency.

Should they fail to sign Diomande, then Liverpool have a Plan B in Barcola, who is expected to play a part in PSG's UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

The Mail writes: "RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been watched extensively. Preliminary interest back then has evolved into the Ivorian 19-year-old being a primary target. He is now the frontrunner to replace Salah.

"But he won’t come cheap – Leipzig have set his value at £86m (€100m). Talks have taken place and the player is currently locked in a dispute over his agency, which is a big deal given his representative would be set for a significant payday in any move of this size.

"Diomande would be a typical Fenway Sports Group signing: a gem of the future but still with room to grow. Paris Saint-Germain also have eyes on the winger, it is believed. That might open the door for an alternative target and could have a knock-on effect on Liverpool’s interest in Bradley Barcola, who plays for the French and European champions."

Barcelona will pay Newcastle United £70m across the next five years for Anthony Gordon, according to the Mirror, after outbidding Bayern Munich.

The Catalan giants are closing in on the signing of the England international, who scored 17 goals and registered five assists for Newcastle last term.

Gordon is undergoing a medical and will pen a five-year deal with Barcelona.

”Newcastle United have agreed to let Barcelona spread the cost of signing Anthony Gordon over the duration of his contract at the Nou Camp,” reads the article.

”Which means Barcelona will settle the initial £70m fee in instalments between now and 2031. The Spanish giants, who have debts of more than £2billion, insisted on the deal being structured like this.

”Barca have outbid German giants Bayern Munich by £10m - and wanted some goodwill from Newcastle in return. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was willing to spend £60m on Gordon, but wasn't prepared to get involved in a bidding war for the England international.”

Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with AC Milan and could lead the Serie A giants from next season, reports the Guardian.

Pochettino is currently preparing the US men's national team for their home FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss could be heading back to club football when the tournament ends.

The Guardian writes: "US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has had talks with Serie A side Milan about taking over as manager next season, the Guardian can confirm.

"Italian journalist Nicolo Schira was first to report news of Pochettino’s talks with Milan.

"Pochettino’s status was the hot talking point as the US opened training camp at the US Soccer Federation’s new national training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Wednesday, but most have expected that his run at the World Cup will be his last games with the team before a return to European club football."

Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of Alex Scott, Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi, despite interest for the trio.

The Cherries qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time following their sixth-place finish under manager Andoni Iraola, who is preparing to leave the club.

Marco Rose is set to become the club's new head coach and is determined to keep his best players.

"Bournemouth will offer Alex Scott a new contract and are determined to keep Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi," states The Telegraph.

"The club are aware of interest in all three of their young talents but insist they do not have to sell – and will not sell – having qualified for the Europa League for the first time and because of previous sales.

"In a highly unusual step, Rose and Iraola spent two hours together at Bournemouth’s training ground on Monday going through the squad and what the job entails, at Rose’s request. Iraola is also pleased the German has the job as his successor.

"Rayan and Kroupi are understood to be on the shortlists of five of the biggest clubs in Europe, while there is significant demand for Scott from other Premier League clubs.

"Scott’s deal runs until 2028 and Bournemouth have prioritised agreeing an extension this summer, not least because he deserves it, but also to fend off interest. The indications are that the 22-year-old will sign a new contract."

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