Liverpool are reportedly weighing up an improved offer for Naby Keita, and are set to table a bid worth £70 million to land the RB Leipzig midfielder.
According to a report in Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are pondering over whether to launch a third bid worth £70 million to secure the services of Naby Keita in this summer’s transfer window. RB Leipzig are unwilling to part ways with the midfield dynamo despite the player being desperate for the move.
Leipzig enjoyed a stunning campaign this past season as they finished second in their maiden bow in the Bundesliga to qualify for the Champions League. While it was a team effort through and through, there were a few players who stood out with their performances. One such player was Naby Keita.
Joining from Leipzig’s sister club Red Bull Salzburg, Keita impressed with his tenacity at the centre of the park. The player contributed to his team’s cause as well, bagging 8 goals and as many assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. His rise, though, does not bode well for Leipzig.
Liverpool will be lining up another bid in the coming days for Naby #Keita, there is no alternative to #Keita as things stand. (Echo) pic.twitter.com/ueyrNgUKwx
— Phil Coutinho (@LfcNo10) July 16, 2017
Keita has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe, with Liverpool, in particular, hot in his pursuit for several months now. The Reds have already tabled two staggering bids to secure the player’s services this summer – offers that would have shattered their transfer record.
Keita is believed to be desperate to leave the East German club to make the dream move to Anfield, handing Liverpool the benefit during negotiations. But, Leipzig are intent on keeping hold of the player and have swiftly rejected both offers.
Jurgen Klopp remains keen on landing the Guinea international though, as he attempts to bolster his squad ahead of the 2017/18 season. Midfield is reportedly a priority as the Liverpool boss was often stretched for options last season with Jordan Henderson and Marko Grujic struggling with injuries.
Although the duo have recovered from their respective fitness issues, availability remains a concern given their proneness to injuries. Beyond the two players, Klopp has Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum as his only options following the departure of Lucas Leiva.
Therefore, Keita has long been identified as a viable target, with his all-action style and work rate being perfect complements to the system that Klopp has implemented at Anfield. Thus, the German manager is now weighing up a third bid worth £70 million.
However, the report suggests that even the aforementioned figure will not be enough for the Merseyside club to land the player, with Leipzig unlikely to change their stance. It now remains to be seen if Liverpool are able to tempt the East German club with an appropriate offer or forced to look elsewhere for alternative options.
