RB Leipzig are now leading the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita on a free transfer in the summer, despite Jurgen Klopp’s reluctance to let him go.
That’s according to 90min, who claim that the Reds manager remains a big fan of the 27-year-old.
As a result, he has told the Anfield hierarchy to not rule out offering the player fresh terms. Yet, a lack of guaranteed game-time continues to be an issue in getting a deal done.
Consequently, Tottenham Hotspur, Lyon, AS Monaco, Inter and AC Milan are all interested in landing the Guinea international on a free at the end of the season.
However, a return to former club RB Leipzig is currently deemed the most likely destination.
Keita is heavily considering a move back to the Bundesliga, where he remains a hugely popular figure.
Although a number of German clubs are keen, Leipzig are the front-runners to land his signature.
Keita could leave Liverpool to return to Leipzig
This will come as a massive blow for Klopp, who has always admired the midfielder.
After suffering from a hamstring injury and then a subsequent muscle issue earlier this term, Keita has returned to Liverpool’s XI.
He has since featured in the last six Premier League fixtures, with the manager preferring him to the likes of Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott.
Currently earning £130,000-a-week, it appears the Reds hierarchy are keen to let go of the 27-year-old, as he isn’t a reliable asset for the club.
The vast majority of his time on Merseyside has been sent toing and froing from the medical table to the pitch.
Despite his obvious talent, he has thus been unable to guarantee his spot in the Liverpool XI, all due to his extensive injury issues.
Therefore, even if Klopp wants the player to stay beyond the summer, we could still see Keita leaving to return to Leipzig at the end of the season.