Leipzing holding firm over Naby Keita deal
Liverpool will have to make Naby Keita the second most expensive signing in Premier League history if they are going to secure his services this summer.
The Reds face a real battle to land one of Jurgen Klopp's top transfer targets with RB Leipzig determined to hold on to the Guinea international.
Reports in Germany suggest that the Bundesliga outfit hope to scare off interest by valuing Keita at 80million Euros (£70million).
The only time a Premier League club has paid out more than that was Manchester United's £89million swoop for Paul Pogba from Juventus last summer.
Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick has always insisted Keita, who is under contract until 2020, isn't for sale and a club which is bankrolled by energy drink giant Red Bull doesn't need the money.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to bid that high for the 22-year-old midfielder, who cost Leipzig just £12.75million from Salzburg last summer.
The Reds, who had previously hoped to land Keita for around £45million to £50million, must decide whether to test Leipzig's resolve with a club record offer or pursue other targets.
Liverpool know there is a 55milion Euros (£48million) release clause in Keita's contract which comes into effect in the summer of 2018.
However, there's no doubt that Klopp would rather sign Keita this summer than wait a further 12 months.
The dynamic box to box midfielder scored eight goals and contributed eight assists in 31 league appearances for Leipzig last season.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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