Chelsea want to sign wantaway Liverpool star

Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate once his contract expires at the end of the June.

The Frenchman has been a key player for the Reds over the past few years, but he has decided to pursue a new challenge.

He was close to penning a new deal beyond the summer back in April, but negotiations have since broken down.

As a result, he has decided to walk away on a free transfer and could join another Premier League side this summer.

Real Madrid and Bayer Munich are keeping tabs, but reports claim that Chelsea could emerge as strong contenders for him too.

The Blues are eager to find an upgrade on Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah in the right centre-back position.

Konate is viewed as the perfect candidate and he could be assured guaranteed playing time for the next season.

The Blues are yet to make a formal contract offer to the player and new manager Xabi Alonso could have the final say.