Liverpool have yet to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig for the early transfer of Naby Keita.

Reports in Germany have suggested that Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Schalke will be the dynamic midfielder's final appearance for the club before he heads for Merseyside.

However, the ECHO understands there is currently no deal in place following initial discussions between Reds sporting director Michael Edwards and opposite number Ralf Rangnick.

Keita has a contract to join Liverpool on July 1 but Jurgen Klopp has been keen to explore the prospect of bringing the move forward six months following the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

The Guinea international is desperate to join the Reds this month and help fill the void created by Coutinho's exit.

Liverpool are willing to pay a premium to get Keita early but Leipzig want to convince the player to stay put until the end of the season.

Under the terms of the deal the Reds struck back in August, they will pay £66.8million for Keita if Leipzig qualify for the Champions League this season and £57.9million if they miss out on the top four.

Speculation that Leipzig are about to relent and grant Keita his wish was fuelled by the player registering a private company called 'NK8 Limited' to a London address with Companies House this week. Keita and his agent Bjorn Bezemer are listed as directors.

If Keita moved to Anfield this month he wouldn't be eligible to play in the Champions League knockout stages but would provide a boost to Liverpool's hopes of domestic success.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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