Real Madrid just did Liverpool a MASSIVE unexpected favour

Real Madrid are out of race for Ibrahima Konate

Real Madrid have been the main team pushing for Konate. It makes sense for them to be in for him - a free transfer for a title-winning elite defender. He's even got experience of playing alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But the Athletic now reports that Real Madrid have let Liverpool know that they won't be moving for Konate. That's actually a surprise, given all the talk over the last year.

It's also a huge favour that they've let the Reds know. That significantly weakens Konate's negotiating position as Liverpool are perfectly aware that there's no alternative offer from what's perceived as the player's preferred destination.