Arne Slot says "it is clear" Liverpool want Ibrahima Konate to stay, and he remains hopeful the defender will sign a new contract.

Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, sees his current deal at Anfield run out at the end of the current campaign.

The centre-half has made 165 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, and was part of their Premier League-winning side last term.

Virgil van Dijk, who was in a similar situation in 2024-25 before putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal, has already expressed his desire to see Konate remain at the club.

And Slot confirmed negotiations were ongoing with the Frenchman, as Liverpool look to lock down his future.

"We are in talks with him, so that tells you what we want," the Reds boss said. "It's clear we would like him to stay, but negotiations are ongoing, so let's see where that ends.

"We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay.

"It's just as good from Ibou as from Virgil, I'm sure there is a difference in age and that sometimes plays a part as well. Ibou has had a very good spell recently.

"He had a lot of good games earlier in the season, but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good, but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal, and so he was judged differently.

"But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I've been here, and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit - touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have, but because of the lack of options we have behind."