- Liverpool appear to be closing in on early signing of RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita
- Midfielder believed to be pushing for move, and could play last game for the club on Saturday
- The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce has dismissed suggestions of a deal being agreed
- SEE MORE: Huge test for Liverpool against Man City
Liverpool are believed to be edging closer towards striking an agreement to bring RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita to the club this January.
The Guinean midfielder has been tipped to make the switch earlier than the scheduled July 1 arrival date that was outlined in the summer arrangement.
Philippe Coutinho’s £142million move to Barcelona has since triggered the Reds to step up their efforts to add Keita to their ranks, with the 22-year-old notably keen on becoming a Liverpool player this month.
In the latest instalment of back and forth rumours, it has been hinted that Keita could be announced over the next few days.
Journalist Chris Williams spearheaded a teasing social media charge, suggesting the deal will be made official on Sunday.
The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce, however, appeared to dismiss the idea and reiterated that discussions were still in progress.
Given the money generated by Coutinho’s sale and the difficulty in finding an adequate replacement, bolstering Keita’s original fee to secure him six months early is undoubtedly worth it.
Liverpool don’t boast enormous strength in depth in midfield of late and would see the addition of Keita’s dynamism and energy significantly boost their chances of a top four finish in the Premier League.
A chance for Jurgen Klopp to see him in competitive action earlier than expected could also prove useful in determining how Emre Can is replaced in the summer- providing the German follows through with plans to join Juventus once his contract expires.
Could Saturday’s clash with Schalke be Keita’s last outing for Leipzig. Perhaps we’ll find out before the weekend is over.