Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Reportedly Back Off Naby Keita Pursuit

Liverpool have reportedly given up their chase for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita for the current transfer window.

According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, the Reds have accepted the Bundesliga side's decision not to sell the player, with bids worth £57 million and £66 million already rejected.

"Keita wanted to come to England and was desperate to play for Klopp, but Liverpool are now actively pursuing other targets to bolster their midfield, having come to terms with the fact that any more offers to Leipzig would have treated the same," King continued.

It's suggested in the piece that the only way a possible move could be resurrected is if there is a significant U-turn from Leipzig. "But, given how robust they have been in their stance, such a scenario is unlikely," King noted.

Additionally, Liverpool will reportedly make another attempt to secure the 22-year-old in the summer of 2018.

Jens Meyer/Associated Press

Per the piece, the midfielder is said to be desperate to make the move to Merseyside and has cut a frustrated figure during Leipzig's pre-season preparations. The Guinean lunged into a nasty tackle on team-mate Diego Demme this week, prompting angry reactions from other players and the postponement of training.

However, Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo doesn't see a scenario where the player would indulge in such behaviour to get a transfer:

Nevertheless, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be disappointed that a top target is unlikely to join the club.

The news on Keita comes at the same time a report from the Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson said Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, another Reds target, is set to be told he will not be sold despite his desire to leave, marking a double blow for the Anfield outfit.

Keita would add a different dimension to the Reds midfield. He is remarkably strong in possession and difficult to take the ball off. Factor in his defensive nous, change of pace and ability to scythe through phases of the field, he appears tailor-made for Premier League football.

As noted by WhoScored.com, in addition to his physicality, Keita also boasts a lot of guile in dangerous positions:

Liverpool's apparent willingness to pay so much for the player is a testament to his talent, and there's no doubt they will keep an eye on his progress throughout the 2017-18 season.

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However, if Keita continues to tear it up in the German top flight, there may be more suitors for him in a year's time. According to Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, there is a £48 million release clause in the midfielder's contract that becomes active at the end of the campaign; that'll bring other big clubs into the race.

Meanwhile, it'll be fascinating to see if Klopp chases alternatives. Although the Reds have done well in snapping up Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, more new faces are needed if they're to push for the title.