By now, even the most optimist Liverpool fan has given up hope on us signing Naby Keita. The hope now is that the Guinean international could be snapped up next season. Giving sails to this optimism is the latest report on Liverpool Echo that quotes RB Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick as saying that the midfielder may not sign a new contract.

Keita’s current deal at the Bundesliga side runs until 2020 and Leipzig had stubbornly refused to sell him this to Liverpool this summer. Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the robust midfielder and even the player was interested in the move.

After successfully thwarting any hopes of a transfer, Leipzig now wants to offer improved terms on the combative Guinean’s contract. The biggest worry for the German side is the £48million release clause that kicks in next summer.

“I am not currently assuming that we will be able to extend his contract prematurely,” Rangnick told Sport Bild (via Liverpool Echo).

“I can assure you that Naby is playing with us this season. All other scenarios also depend on how we do this season, how Naby plays himself and so on.”

Liverpool identified Keita as their top target and went aggressively for the player. They had two unsuccessful bids for the player, with the second one at a whopping £66million.

Leipzig wanted to keep the player at any cost and indicated that he wasn’t for sale at any price. The Bundesliga side have qualified for this season’s Champions League and did not want to weaken their side in their second season of their German top-flight football.

Will We Take Advantage?

If reports are to be believed, even Keita had his mind set on a move to Liverpool. Leipzig were so stubborn that Klopp even joked that they will have to bid €300million for the player. This may have ended up in a defeat this transfer window but Keita should be up for a move next summer.

Provided he does not sign a new contract, Keita will be available for a fee of £48million. There is no doubt that we would look to trigger it, as and when it comes into vogue but we should be prepared for competition.

There were reports that Inter Milan would also be interested in a bid next season to take him to Serie A. And, £48 million for such a talented player is not too much in this crazy transfer market. So, Liverpool must be braced for more competition.

For now though, it looks like Keita would hog the headlines next season too.