RB Leipzig are believed to be determined to keep hold of midfielder Naby Keita until the end of the season and are expected to resist any attempts by Liverpool to bring the player to Anfield early.
The Reds agreed a £55m deal to sign Guinean international Keita from the German club at the start of next season, but following the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp's side are reportedly keen on paying extra to bring the 22-year-old to England this month.
The Liverpool Echo reports, however, that Leipzig are adamant that Keita will be staying put until July 1, when the deal will be completed between the two clubs.
Liverpool have £142m at their disposal following Coutinho's exit, and the newspaper also says that the club are willing to explore the possibility of bringing Keita to Melwood this month.
Klopp's side face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, looking to avenge their 5-0 hammering at the Etihad in September.
Jonny Whitfield
