Liverpool fans sent into frenzy as Naby Keita signals he wants to leave RB Leipzig for Jurgen Klopp's side

The Reds have been quoted £70m for the midfielder but have so far refused to meet that price

Jack Austin
Wednesday 12 July 2017 07:34 EDT
Comments
Premier League transfer round-up: Manchester United confirm Lukaku signing

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool have been handed a boost that key target Naby Keita wants to join them this summer, despite RB Leipzig’s insistence that he will stay at the club.

The 22-year-old is one of Jurgen Klopp’s primary targets during the summer transfer window with the club prepared to make him their club record signing – albeit it have so-far baulked at the Bundesliga runners-up’s £70m valuation of the Guinean.

It is understood Keita himself wants to leave the club after helping Leipzig into the Champions League for the first time but the German club have so far been resolute in their stance.

And now Keita has seemingly reaffirmed that desire by subtly liking an Instagram post which depicts the Guinean in a Liverpool shirt.

However, while the club are sure that agreeing personal terms will not be a problem, it is negotiating with his club which they are having the most trouble with.

Sporting director Ralf Rangnick previously stated even an offer “in the three-digit range” would not be enough to persuade them to sell and that he expected all Leipzig’s key players to remain with the club this summer.

Keita liked this post on Instagram
Keita liked this post on Instagram (Instagram/@guineebuzz)

“We will definitely not be letting any key players go,” Rangnick had said. “There's nothing that will make us budge. It's totally normal for clubs to be interested in our players, but that doesn't affect our stance on the matter.”

Klopp is expected to be busy this summer as he attempts to build a squad capable of competing both in the Premier League and Champions League next term.

Mohamed Salah has already arrived in what could become a club record deal from Roma while Chelsea's Dominic Solanke has also joined following the end of his contract at Chelsea.

Reds boss Klopp is eyeing as many as seven new signings this offseason with Keita seen as a crucial piece of the recruitment drive.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in