Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of priority target Naby Keita as he prepares to push harder for a move from his club RB Leipzig, according to the Mail.
The newspaper claim on their transfer blog on Thursday (4.39pm) that the dynamic central midfielder is set to hold further talks with officials from the German outfit to pave the way for a big-money move.
The Mail report that Keita, 22, is keen to join Liverpool and does not want to wait a further 12 months, which is when clubs can activate a release clause set at £48million.
This is welcome news for the Merseysiders, who were publicly told in no uncertain terms by Leipzig on Thursday that the club have no intention of cashing in on a player who they reportedly value at £70million.
Asked about the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of the Guinea international, sporting director Ralf Rangnick said, as quoted by the club’s English Twitter account: “We will definitely not be letting any key players go.
“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.”
???? #Rangnick on current plans for the squad: “We will definitely not be letting any key players go. There’s nothing that will make us budge.”
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) July 6, 2017
???? #Rangnick: “It’s totally normal for clubs to be interested in our players, but that doesn’t affect our stance on the matter.”
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) July 6, 2017
Liverpool are said to be in the market for a commanding midfield, centre-back and attacking midfielder after already tying up the signing of jet-heeled winger Mohamed Salah for a potential club-record £39million.
Keita has been targeted after his outstanding performances in his debut Bundesliga season as he spearheaded Leipzig to a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.