Naby Keita wants to leave RB Leipzig
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed huge encouragement in his pursuit of key summer transfer target Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig, according to German journalist Rafa Honigstein.
Keita, 22, has three years left on his current deal with the Bundesliga side and has reportedly refused to sign a new deal with the German club, stating his desire to leave this summer.
Twitter: Before this all gets too messy. 1) I have been told that Keita wants to go. 2) I believe RBL’s €80m or nothing stance is genuine. (@honigstein)
Leipzig’s Sporting Director Ralf Rangnick has publicly admitted that Keïta isn’t for sale, however, Leipzig are believed to be demanding £70million for Keïta, who joined for around £10m last year.
The Guinea international, who applies his trade as a box to box midfielder, made a huge impression in his debut season in Germany’s top division, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, helping Leipzig to a second place finish and securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
Liverpool were apparently looking to pay around £50million for the midfielder but with Leipzig seemingly holding all of the aces, they will need to stump up the cash if they want to get him to Anfield.