Naby Keita, the player apart from Virgil van Dijk who has been linked with a move to Anfield, could see the move come true in 2018, according to Ralf Rangnick. The RB Leipzig director has been adamant that the Guinean is not for sale in this transfer window but that could all change next season.

That is due to the a clause in the Guinean’s contract which gets activated and we could sign him for £48million, which would be lower than the bids we have made for the dynamic midfielder so far.

Speaking to the Bild (h/t IBTimes), the former Schalke manager, Rangnick said:

“Next season, Keita theoretically has the option to leave.

“I’d like to think that he will play another strong season, also in the Champions League, and then there will be big clubs who are interested in him. Therefore it will presumably be pretty tough to keep him here.”

We were willing to bid big money for the star midfielder and were set to launch a £74million package for the 22-year-old. However, things have not gone to plan and we were hit by a major rejection as the Bundesliga side did not bow down to our demands.

That is to be expected as Leipzig have constantly told that they do not need to sell their stars as they will be playing in the Champions League this season after finishing second in the Bundesliga last season. We, on the other hand, have to play in the qualifiers against Hoffenheim to make it to the group stages.

There were claims that Leipzig would try to extend Keita’s stay at the club with a new contract and no buyout clause but the midfielder has rejected it and given us have a chance of signing him next season.

Things might not be as straight forward, as Inter Milan have been tracking the 22-year-old. We should still be in the driving seat to sign the midfielder and if he makes his mind up to play for us, there is nothing that will stop the deal from going through.

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