Liverpool have been handed a major blow on their bid to land Ibrahima Konate
RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has played down recent claims that Ibrahima Konate will be sold to Liverpool.
Konate, 21, was placed on a five-man transfer shortlist by Liverpool recently and it was rumoured that the Reds were closer to finalising a deal for the French centre-half.
Answering questions about the rumoured underway transfer to Liverpool Krosche told Sky Sports: "I think that this is not an option for Ibu."
"He has a long contract with us and he knows what we mean to him and what he means to us.
"He was unlucky last year as he had a long-term injury but this year he is developing well and he is an extremely important player that has a lot of potential.
"We want to help him to develop further, and we play in Europe and have a very good team, so I don't see a reason for him to leave us."