Liverpool are reportedly close to signing centre-back who’s a mix of ‘finesse’ and ‘strength’

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Reported Liverpool target Ibrahima Konate is currently on duty with France Under-21s, and did quite well on his latest international display.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed on Monday that the Reds are in the final stages of completing a deal to sign the RB Leipzig defender ahead of the summer transfer window.

Konate appears to have caught the eye of many clubs around Europe this season with some excellent performances in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga.

Although injuries have limited the 21-year-old to 15 competitive appearances for his club this term, this hasn’t dampened interest in his signature.

And according to Ornstein, Liverpool have moved quickly and are in advanced negotiations ahead of finalising a move.

It is believed that Konate’s £34million release clause will need to be paid, and that Leipzig aren’t likely to accept a lower fee.

Konate played the full 90 minutes for Les Bleuets in Sunday’s U21 European Championship group-stage victory over Russia’s U21s.

He sat out France’s opener against Denmark on the bench and had to watch as Les Espoirs were beaten 1-0 by their opponents.

Sylvain Ripoll recalled Konate to the starting XI and was duly rewarded with a clean sheet.

Actufoot wrote about his performance: “While on the one hand there is finesse, on the other there is strength.

“The (opposition) attackers avoid brushing up against him given his size. He is also quite impressive on his comebacks. Even if sometimes, they led to Russian counters.”

Meanwhile, Homme Du Match wrote: “Fairly good match on his part even if the French defender has often been far from marking.”

France U21s are back in action on Wednesday, taking on Iceland U21s in their final group game.