Liverpool have plenty of plates spinning ahead of the transfer deadline, though they could now have some thinking to do after a sizeable offer was made for one of their key men.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot retains optimism amid transfer deadline

While Liverpool's two-pronged pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi plays out, there are plenty of other reasons for Arne Slot to remain optimistic as his side look to claim the Premier League title once again.

Hugo Ekitike's arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt has lived up to expectations, and the Dutchman is confident the Frenchman will only continue to improve over the coming months as he fully settles in at Anfield.

Addressing his development and how he can improve, Slot said before his side took on Arsenal: "I think he’s already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. So I expect him to do even a lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s already working hard.

"There he can improve, which is completely normal, because he has to adjust from a different league, from a different playing style. "

With a wealth of riches at his disposal, Slot also wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to Anfield, albeit that may be easier said than done, given they are already working on other deals at a late stage in the window.

Excitement is bubbling ahead of a deadline day that could deliver another few statement signings, though there is now a scenario where one of the Dutchman's key men could be set to leave Anfield for a new challenge.

Liverpool could allow Ibrahima Konate to depart for Real Madrid

According to reports in Spain via Anfield Watch, Liverpool were willing to allow Ibrahima Konate to leave for the Saudi Pro League, but the player himself has rejected a move that would've been worth over £50 million to head to the Gulf region.

While the team that put forward the proposal remains unnamed, the Reds clearly have one eye on his contract situation, as his deal is set to expire next summer. Their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Guehi is only likely to fan the flames further, suggesting that a departure may be on the cards.

After featuring against Arsenal in the 1-0 victory at Anfield, Konate has made 136 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, and in that time, has cemented himself as a key figure under Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

Labelled "sensational" by David Lynch, the France international won 137 duels in the Premier League during the Reds' title victory last term, though speculation over his future may well lead to a considerable dilemma over whether to stick or twist in light of his complex contract situation.