Liverpool want Naby Keita in January transfer switch but chances of signing him that early are extremely slim
Reds have already agreed an initial £48million deal for RB Leipzig star next summer and may have to wait until then
LIVERPOOL are reportedly unlikely to complete a deal for Naby Keita in January.
The RB Leipzig star has already agreed an initial £48million move to Anfield for next summer.
But Liverpool are keen on bringing Keita to the Premier League six months early as they look to recover from a sticky September.
However, the Liverpool Echo claims Leipzig are not willing to part ways with Keita before the end of the Bundesliga campaign.
There’s nothing to actually stop Jurgen Klopp from negotiating an even bigger fee for the 22-year-old.
But Leipzig are still making waves in Germany after bursting onto the scene last year and feel Keita is too valuable to part ways with.
But he has been warned by his boss to improve his recent performances after going missing in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Besiktas.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Naby was not good today, maybe it would have been better not to have taken him.
Liverpool Transfer News
“For me, as a coach, it is important to see who I can rely on at such moments, which players stand up and who is ready to fight against what is going on on the field.”
Liverpool won just one of their six games this month and will be hoping for a fresh start when they take on Newcastle on Sunday October 1.
There are also tough games to come against Manchester United and Spurs in the Premier League, and Klopp knows he can’t afford any more slip-ups in the race for a top four finish.
⚽ Ian Wright's Premier League Tips ⚽
Former striker Ian Wright selects his top tips for Saturday's action.
"Romelu Lukaku has started exactly as you’d want a £75m signing to start.
"Not only has he scored a load of goals but he’s also silenced those questioning his link-up play and the first touch.
"He’s the only player in my mind when it comes to the first goalscorer market - and I fancy United to get loads againsrt Crystal Palace."
