Liverpool tie up deal for Keita

stress issue. For all the pressure and uncertainty about the future. It’s something normal. Clinically, however, he is clear. He can join the national team, train, play.”

Lemar can play either as a central or wide midfielder but Monaco are understood to be reluctant to sell yet another player after losing Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva Benjamin Mendy.

Arsenal are also interested in Lemar but Arsene Wenger said last week that his former club had told him the 21-year-old France international was not for sale.

One player definitely arriving on Merseyside is Jurgen Klopp’s longterm target Keita – but not until the end of the season. Red Bull Leipzig have finally agreed to and sell the Guinea international for a premium on top of his £48m release-clause figure, which kicks in next summer.

Keita had a medical in Liverpool yesterday but will return to Leipzig.

The Bundesliga club rejected a £66m offer from Liverpool earlier this summer but, faced with losing him for £48m next year, have decided to maximise the fee – which could rise to around £70m – while giving themselves a year to find a replacement.

Their stance was also influenced by the fact that Keita has set his heart on a move to Anfield.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will be staying at Anfield despite being dropped for Sunday’s win over Arsenal.

Klopp says he will be back in the team for the trip to Manchester City after the international break.