Gabriele Marcotti: Liverpool could sacrifice Coutinho for Keita
Keita had been Liverpool's primary midfield transfer target this summer and had bids of £57million and £66m rejected by RB Leipzig.
They were even prepared to offer as much as £70m for the star with manager Jurgen Klopp desperate to add more strength in depth to his squad to mount a challenge in the Premier League and Champions League
However, Bundesliga side Leipzig have been steadfast in their refusal to sell Keita and it appears Klopp has given up hope of bringing the Guinea international to Anfield.
Liverpool will attempt to sign Keita in 2018 when his £48m release clause comes into effect
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have dropped their interest in Keita and admitted defeat in trying to convince Leipzig to sell.
But the report says Liverpool will attempt to sign Keita in 2018 when his £48m release clause comes into effect.
And Klopp will now consider other targets to boost his team with just two weeks until the season starts.
GETTY
Naby Keita looks set to stay at RB Leipzig
Earlier this week, Keita was caught up in controversy when he made a late tackle on team-mate Diego Demme in training.
Demme needed treatment after the wild lunge and Keita later apologised for his actions.
While Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick was forced to explain his comments after implying Keita's head had been turned by "a whole village in Guinea".
Liverpool continue their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
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