Liverpool blow as French star agrees to join Real Madrid

Liverpool have been handed a potential blow with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

The Frenchman's current deal with Bayern expires at the end of June next year, and reports claim that he is unlikely to extend his stay with them.

Instead, he is prepared to secure a Bosman move elsewhere. Liverpool have had their sights on him, but Madrid have reportedly won the pursuit.

Los Blancos can't finalise a pre-contract agreement with Upamecano until January, but they have verbally agreed terms with the centre-back.

The news is a huge blow for the Reds, who may need to sign a couple of central defenders at the end of the ongoing Premier League season.

Ibrahima Konate's current deal expires in June next year, and he has yet to be convinced to put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract.

Joe Gomez could likewise push for an exit. He could seek to leave as early as January, having come close to joining AC Milan last summer.