Liverpool’s £66m bid for Kieta rejected

Liverpool’s latest attempt to secure Red Bull Leipzig’s Naby Keita has been rejected despite an astonishing £66million bid.

It is the latest of several approaches for the Guinea international to be dismissed by the Bundesliga club.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is, however, on the verge of making his third signing of the summer as Hull left-back Andrew Robertson will undergo a medical at Anfield today before making a £10million move.

Keita remains Klopp’s top target, but there has been no encouragement the player will be sold.

Speaking to German media yesterday, Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz reiterated his stance.

“We don’t sell any of our players just to get money,” he told the Bild.

“Lately we got a €75million offer for Naby Keita. No way! He has a contract and he will accomplish it.

“To sell him would not only be a proof of distrust to our fans but also the wrong sign for our players like Timo Werner, who is in demand too.”

Keita has not yet spoken about this situation so it is unclear whether he will push any harder for a move, or even if that will make any difference.

Earlier this week Klopp said he was reluctant to switch from his main targets, but admitted he might eventually have no choice if there was no possibility of securing a deal. Klopp has sold two central midfielders in the last 48 hours, with Lucas Leiva moving to Lazio for £5 million and Kevin Stewart heading to Hull City for £8 million.

Scotland international Robertson moves in the opposite direction to Stewart and will be given the chance to challenge James Milner at full-back, Liverpool’s extra workload this season enabling Klopp to adopt a rotation policy.

The 23-year-old has been on Liverpool’s radar for the last two seasons but his impressive form for club and country has now convinced them to make the signing.

He should be recruited in time to join Liverpool’s training camp in Germany next week.