Ibrahima Konate's financial demands appear to be the major stumbling block in negotiations with Liverpool, and with an extension yet to be finalized, time is running out on the center back's Anfield career.
An arduous campaign for the France international has affected his stock, but Europe's elite would be remiss to ignore him based off one poor campaign, especially considering no transfer fee would be required to secure his services.
PSG: A Return to Paris
There is a romance to rumors connecting Konate and Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old was born in France's capital and the allure of a return to the city would be difficult to refuse, not to mention the prospect of joining the current European champions and working under the masterful Luis Enrique.
Real Madrid: Links Cooled
A move to Real Madrid long appeared inevitable for Konate, but links with the Bernabeu have undeniably affected his performance levels in a red shirt this season. Ironically, his declining standards have prompted Los Blancos to distance themselves from a transfer.
Chaos continues to engulf Madrid as a sizeable summer rebuild lies in wait, and Konate would certainly provide cover for a defense set to lose David Alaba and possibly Antonio Rudiger. It's not impossible that the Spanish giants backtrack and open negotiations with the center back.
Inter: Double Winners
Inter continue to lack the glamor of their fellow European behemoths, but they remain an appealing option. Fresh from winning the domestic double in their first season under Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri will be keen to back the Romanian this summer with a flurry of signings.
Inter currently have a myriad of center back options, but that could soon change. Francesco Acerbi is set to leave at the end of the season and could be joined by fellow veteran Stefan de Vrij, while Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with an exit. Signing Konate on a free would be an astute piece of business for the Serie A champions.
Barcelona: Defensive Rebuild
Barcelona join Clasico rivals Madrid in the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer. A new center back seems essential for La Liga's finest, with Hansi Flick needing a speedy and physical presence capable of operating in an aggressively high line. Konate could be that man.
Options are already thin at the back for La Blaugrana, who will lose Andreas Christensen and potentially Ronald Araujo over the summer. They need depth at the back, with their financial difficulties making a free transfer all the more attractive.
Saudi Arabia: Financial Temptation
The Saudi Pro League train is certainly decelerating, but joining the likes of Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr remains an attractive proposition for players looking to boost their bank balances. While Konate would be on the younger side of the league's high-profile incomers, the financial reward of moving to the Middle East has often proven too enticing to ignore.
Saudi's top clubs would certainly be able to offer Konate the wages he desires, but there is no questioning that it would be an enormous step down in his career, which will soon be entering its peak years.