Liverpool Transfer News: Naby Keita Ripped by RB Leipzig Amid Reds Rumours

RB Leipzig’s sporting director Ralf Rangnick has hit out at the people surrounding midfielder Naby Keita, saying the player has been influenced as Liverpool stand by to pounce. 

According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian, regarding Liverpool's two rejected bids for Keita, Rangnick said: "A whole village in Guinea or somebody from their entourage tells the players why they must do something right away."

Per Aarons, Keita had previously told the club that he was eager to move to Anfield.

Keita has been a long-term target of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, with the German offering £66 million for the services of the 22-year-old.

Per Aarons, Rangnick's full comments were rather scathing as he targeted Keita and Emil Forsberg's immediate circles:

"There should be someone who points them into the right direction. The boys themselves are not the problem here. It is their surroundings. ... I can’t blame the players. I expect them to play for us next season. Both are extraordinary players who make the difference for our team."

Former Guinea international Kamil Zayatte said he thought Rangnick's comments were fueled by racism (via Aarons):

Keita has developed into one of the finest young midfielders in Europe, but Rangnick's words will now be under the spotlight as his club attempt to hold on to the African prodigy.