Liverpool Transfer News: Naby Keita Reportedly Needs to Force Move, Top Rumours

RB Leipzig have "officially informed" Liverpool that Naby Keita is not for sale this summer, so the Reds now require the player himself to force through a transfer if they are to sign him. 

The Times' Paul Joyce reported the Bundesliga club held talks with Liverpool on Wednesday to tell them as much, so it is now up to Keita, who is due to return to training on Thursday and may need to submit a formal transfer request.

The Guardian's Andy Hunter echoed that report, adding Keita is a "prime midfield target" for the Reds, who are "willing to shatter their transfer record" to sign him.

According to Hunter, Liverpool are yet to look at other targets this summer and remain hopeful that between a large transfer fee and Keita's desire to move to Anfield, they can convince Leipzig to part with him.

Per Goal's Melissa Reddy, Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick has consistently been adamant he will not go, however:

The Reds' continued interest in him in spite of that is understandable, though.

The midfielder played a key role in helping his side finish second in the Bundesliga last term, and he's a superb all-rounder, as Squawka Football illustrated:

Having only turned 22 in February, he's still young with room to grow even further, so he has the potential to become a real star in European football in the coming years.

Liverpool writers Leanne Prescott and Jack Lusby both believe he'd be an excellent buy for the Reds, the latter even advocating a sensational transfer fee:

It's clear that landing his signature will be difficult, however, such is the German club's desire to keep hold of him.

Even a transfer request from Keita is by no means a guarantee he'll be allowed to leave, though it could help grease the wheels if he's vocal about wanting to move on.

If Keita isn't willing to fight for a move, Liverpool may have little chance at all.

Meanwhile, manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted Mamadou Sakho may yet have a future at the club. Per the Daily Star's Luke Gardener, he said: "First of all he needs to get 100 per cent fit and then we will see."

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Sakho was exiled from the team last season and sent out on loan to Crystal Palace in January, but he remains among the best centre-backs available to the German.

As statements go it's non-committal, but keeping him as an option will make the Reds stronger next season, even if they recruit another defender to partner Joel Matip at the back.

Klopp would do well to mend his relationship with Sakho, provided the player is also receptive to staying.