Naby Keita: Liverpool to pay £64m, RB Leipzig chief finalising deal after medical

Liverpool agreed a deal with Leipzig to pay Keita’s £48m release clause, which can be activated next summer, plus an undisclosed premium.

The 22-year-old is in England and is scheduled to have medical, officially joining on July 1 2018.

The Reds have been looking to sign Keita all summer and appeared to have accepted defeat in their efforts to bring him to Anfield.

But they have managed to convince the Bundesliga club to sell, although he will remain with them for another year.

And German outlet Zeit Online say Liverpool will pay £64m (70m euros) for Keita.

Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is said to be in England negotiating with Liverpool and an announcement is expected soon.

The deal for Keita means he becomes the most expensive player in the club’s history but that figure could be beaten soon if Liverpool sign Thomas Lemar.

The Merseysiders have made a £66m bid for the Monaco ace, who wants to play in the Premier League.

The deals for Keita and Lemar are not understood to have an impact on Philippe Coutinho’s future.

Barcelona want to sign Coutinho and have seen three offers rejected.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group and Klopp have been adamant this summer that Coutinho will not be allowed to leave.