Liverpool made two bids for Naby Keita... and we might have to sell next summer, confirms RB Leipzig chief
- Liverpool have made two bids for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita this summer
- Jurgen Klopp earmarked Keita as the man to add goals and creativity in midfield
- Ralph Rangnick conceded they could let him leave at a cut price next year
- The Guinea international could leave next year if his £48m release clause is met
Liverpool have had two bids rebuffed for Naby Keita this summer but RB Leipzig could be forced to let him leave at a cut price next year, according to sporting director Ralf Rangnick.
Jurgen Klopp was ready to smash Liverpool's transfer record to bring in the midfielder, tabling a second bid of £66million last month.
Rangnick confirmed that contact was made between the two clubs but negotiations ground to a halt as the German side refused to let their star man leave.
Naby Keita was the subject of two failed bids from Liverpool, confirmed Ralph Rangnick
Jurgen Klopp was prepared to smash the club's transfer record, tabling a £66million bid
'There were two offers from Liverpool and in between times also a telephone call between the clubs,' Rangnick said. 'But not between me and Jurgen Klopp.
'For us, it was always clear that we would not give Naby Keita. That is why there was no direct contact.
'Every club that has sporting ambitions would have done the same as we did.
'But we must weigh it up. If we let Keita go for €70-80m this year, what more would that bring us compared to the sum we would get next year?'
Keita was pivotal for Leipzig last season, scoring eight goals in 31 Bundesliga games
Rangnick, RB Leipzig's sporting director, said the two clubs have made contact this summer
Liverpool have been deterred by Leipzig's firm stance on keeping the midfielder and, for now, have cooled their interest in signing the 22-year-old.
Leipzig finished second in the Bundesliga last season after an impressive campaign in which Keita played a pivotal part, scoring eight goals in 31 games from central midfield.
However, the Guinea international will be available next summer with a release clause of £48m. And Rangnick conceded Leipzig may be forced to let him go.
'Sometimes, players develop even faster than the club,' Rangnick added.
'When he plays a season like last year and, if possible, in the Champions League too - then we might be able to let a player join a big club and live with it.'
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