Real Madrid drop out of Konate race

And while that may be a big blow to the player – who seemingly had his heart set on a move to the Bernabeu – it represented tremendous news for Richard Hughes and Liverpool.

Their biggest competitors for Konate’s signature had been removed from the equation – with the defender running out of options for a deal elsewhere.

But now comes the news that Liverpool may well have been fearing as another European giant enters the running. Inter have made a habit of smart free transfer pick-ups in recent seasons – including Marcus Thuram and others.

And according to a report in Fichajes the Champions League finalists have set their sights on Konate.