Liverpool are not prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to reports in the German media.

It is believed that Leipzig’s chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff contacted the Reds to enquire whether they were looking to make a move for the Frenchman, only to be told that he is not being targeted.

If it turns out to be true, it would completely contradict the reports in the English press over the past week that have suggested that the Merseyside club will trigger Konate’s €40m (£34m) release clause.

Not every journalist has been as adamant that Konate will be moving to Liverpool. For example, Paul Joyce stated yesterday that the 21-year-old is just one of three possible options ahead of the summer transfer window.

If the rumours about the defender moving to Anfield this summer turn out to be false, it could lead to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United moving to the front of the queue for the player.