Liverpool transfer news: Bundesliga expert on Naby Keita agreement... but deal is unlikely

Price understands that a deal has already been done between the Reds and Keita, the RB Leipzig midfielder considered one of the best young prospects in world football.

But he now considers a completed transfer this month “unlikely” - despite the contract being agreed.

Price, who has written two books on the Bundesliga including a biography on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, says a move appears off due to an intervention from mega-rich RB Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

It is now more likely they sign Keita, 21, next summer when a £48million clause kicks in on his contract.

“As I’ve been saying all summer, Naby Keita’s agents have met Liverpool and a contract has been agreed,” Price told Express Sport.

“He wants to go there - in so much as he wants to play for someone as big and with as much history as Liverpool - but he’s not actively pushing to leave.

“In fact, Keita sees staying put and playing Champions League football as far from the end of the world - especially as they’re the ones who gave him his chance to shine in the first place. Don’t expect him to chuck in a transfer request and rock the boat as he’s not that kind of player.”

“So while there is an agreement between Liverpool and Keita, there is no agreement between Liverpool and Leipzig, and this is - at the minute - where the deal falls down.

“The noises out of both clubs were that a move was going to fall through earlier this window but since there have been mixed messages.

“The RB Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz is one of the world’s richest men - a stern businessman who simply doesn’t need the money - and he’s got involved and seems to have put a stop to it.

“He’s a man who doesn’t care about what people think of him - trust me, Leipzig are one of the most hated clubs in Germany - and he’s used to getting his own way.

“He does’t like the idea of someone coming in and pinching his best asset and he’s digging his heels in.

“Next summer, a release clause kicks in on Keita’s contract and he can leave for around £48million. It’s now far more likely they’ll sign him then - after a season in the Champions League - than this window.”