Liverpool must pay extra to bring Keita to Anfield

LONDON: Naby Keita could become a Liverpool player earlier than expected if the Anfield club decide to pay up an additional £13 million (RM70 million).

The Reds have already agreed a deal worth £48 million for the midfielder that will see him move to the Premier League next season.

However, Jurgen Klopp has been given encouragement that RB Leipzig could be willing to let their man go earlier after his form has suffered since the summer.

German outlet Bild reported that the Bundesliga outfit were open to the possibility of letting their star-man go in the winter window, a claim which the club refuted in public.

The report suggests that Leipzig may need to raise funds in order to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules and would be open to an early move if Liverpool pay between £13 million£17.5 million.

Such funds may not be so hard to come by considering the £145 million deal that saw Philippe Coutinho move to Barcelona earlier in the week.

Klopp has already acquired the £75 million services of Virgil van Dijk this month but may be tempted to bring in Keita to strengthen his midfield options.

The Guinean would be unable to play in the Champions League for his new club should he make the move, with the star cup tied after playing for the Bundesliga outfit, but could feature in the league and FA Cup.

European’s elite competition could be a vital factor in any possible deal though as RB Leipzig are fighting for qualification into the Champions League and may want to hold on to such a player.

However, since the deal with Liverpool came to fruition, many have criticised the star’s performances with Bild reporting that the player has been ostracised by his teammates.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of youngster Ryan Sessegnon after Fulham’s chairman vowed not to sell him this month.

The England Under-19 international has lit up the Championship at Craven Cottage this season, and a number of top clubs have enquired about signing him.

But any potential move looks like it will have to wait until the summer, with Fulham chief Tony Khan revealing that Sessegnon will stay for a promotion push.

Speaking to the Telegraph ,he said: “As it’s been the subject of a great deal of speculation, I’d like to announce that Ryan Sessegnon is staying with Fulham football