Jurgen Klopp Relaxed on Naby Keita Saga as Transfer Threatens to Consume the Rest of Reds' Summer
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has refused to stoke the fire of the increasing speculation surrounding his pursuit of RB Leipzig dynamo Naby Keita.
As reported in the Liverpool Echo, Klopp looked to cool intensifying reports during a press conference in Hong Kong.
When asked about Keita, the German insisted: “There's nothing new to say about this. It's the transfer market - everything is open until August 31.
“I am not easy to frustrate. It's the transfer market. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't. That's how it is. I'm still relaxed.”
The Reds have already had an initial offer, suggested to be around £57m, rejected out of hand by the Bundesliga outfit, as they look to retain the Guinea international after he played a pivotal role in their sensational first season in the German top flight.
Keita, however, is said to be desperate to move to Anfield, despite his club's reluctance to grant him his wish.
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Playing at the midfield base of Ralph Hasenhüttl's imaginative 4-2-2-2 system, the 22-year-old Keita was at the heart of everything good for Leipzig last season, combining a combative and rugged defensive style with attacking skill and impetus.
Indeed, he managed an impressive eight goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga last season, despite his deeper role, and thus alerted all of Europe to his potential as one of the potential standout players of the next decade.
As such, Liverpool have made no secret of their desire to attain his services, and this is a sage that is sure to drag on throughout the rest of the summer.