Liverpool get Naby Keita boost as release clause is confirmed by RB Leipzig to come into effect next summer
Reds have failed with two bids for highly-rated Guinean midfielder but are sure to have more luck with clause next year
LIVERPOOL have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Naby Keita after RB Leipzig revealed that a secret release clause will come into play next summer.
The Reds have tried and failed to land the Guinea international with numerous bids ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Watford.
However, Keita could be heading to Anfield if Jurgen Klopp holds his nerve, with Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick admitting the midfielder is likely to leave due to a dormant clause becoming active next year.
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Liverpool have seen offers worth £57million and £66m rejected outright by last season’s surprise package in the Bundesliga.
But the Anfield faithful are sure to have the last laugh if they can nab Keita for a more reasonable £48m.
Rangnick told SportBILD: “Next season it is so that Naby theoretically has the option to go. I’m assuming that he’s playing a strong season, even in the Champions League.
“And then there will be big clubs that are also interested in him. Accordingly, it will probably be difficult to keep him.”
Keita gave an indication he was looking to leave Leipzig at the start of August when he refused to sign a new contract.
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And it means the Reds will no longer have to pursue a fruitless chase for Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal.
Shock reports on Wednesday claimed Klopp had turned his attention to the Chile international in his hunt for a box-to-box midfielder.
But with Vidal rated as arguably the best in the world in that position, it seems highly unlikely that Bayern would sanction his sale.
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