RB Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick admitted that Premier League side Liverpool submitted two bids for Naby Keita and could be forced to let him leave for a cut-price deal next summer (Daily Mail). Keita’s links to Liverpool have been the flavour of the summer with not a single day passing without a mention of it. Reports from some sources, tips from sources close to the player – you name it, we’ve had it all.

However, what makes it interesting this time is the admission of the club’s sporting director. Although it was an open secret that Liverpool submitted two bids of £57million and £66million (both being rebuffed) Rangnick’s admission that a third could be on the way, makes it intriguing.

The £48million release clause for the Guinean will be activated next summer and the prospect of selling him for more this summer is tempting for RB Leipzig; especially if the player is not willing to accept new terms.

“There were two offers from Liverpool and in between times also a telephone call between the clubs,’ Rangnick said (as quoted by Daily Mail).

“But not between me and Jurgen Klopp. For us, it was always clear that we would not give Naby Keita. That is why there was no direct contact. Every club that has sporting ambitions would have done the same as we did.

“But we must weigh it up. If we let Keita go for €70-80m this year, what more would that bring us compared to the sum we would get next year?”

Interesting, isn’t it? Although I am on the cusp of relegating any news about Keita to the dust bin, this is a positive twist. Rangnick was adamant all through the summer that the player was not for sale at any price. If the same guy comes out and says that he may be forced to accept a third bid, wouldn’t it be music to Jurgen Klopp’s ears?

Need To Qualify For Champions League

One crucial factor in this entire saga would be Champions League qualification. Leipzig have already qualified while Liverpool are in the playoff round against Hoffenheim.

It is a tricky fixture which the Reds should overcome and the 2-1 win in the first-leg in Germany should put us in a good position to go through. Qualifying for the group stages would offer a bigger template for Keita to showcase his talents.

There were reports that Leipzig were planning to offer fresh terms to the player although he is interested in a move to Anfield. If we qualify for the Champions League in a week’s time and follow it up with a third bid for the player, Keita could have his way with Leipzig.

Rangnick half-admitted it when he said that Keita’s development has overshadowed that of the club, paving way for the bigger clubs to come for him.

I just hope that Liverpool make sure that no other club goes for him!