A European giant are poised to ramp up a move for a Liverpool star wanted by Tottenham and Jurgen Klopp is ‘unlikely’ to stand in the deal’s way, per a report.
It’ll take a monumental effort to rescue Liverpool’s season following a dismal first half of the campaign. The Reds are out of both domestic cups and have been handed the unenviable task of unseating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
They sit a lowly 10th in the Premier League and last week’s defeat to Wolves saw the gap to fourth spot extend to 11 points.
Failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League won’t prevent the Reds from being summer target Jude Bellingham’s favoured club. However, a BILD journalist revealed Jurgen Klopp may be made to wait an extra 12 months before securing the signing he craves.
Central midfield has been Liverpool’s biggest issue this season. Many of Klopp’s current crop are aging and combined with a collective loss of form and confidence, the consequences have been dire.
What’s more, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all entered the final six months of their respective deals. As such, they’re free to negotiate with overseas clubs right now.
Of the three, a move to to the continent looks most likely for Keita. Indeed, he’s known to have interest from AC Milan and former side RB Leipzig.
Tottenham powerless to resist European approach
Tottenham too have surprisingly been linked, with 90min insisting Antonio Conte is sensing an opportunity given Keita will be available for nothing.
However, per the Mirror, it’s AC Milan who are poised to take the lead in the race to sign Keita.
They report the reigning Serie A champions are ‘set to step up their interest’ as they push to lure the Guinea international to Italy.
Despite speculation over a potential contract extension at Anfield, it’s noted manager Jurgen Klopp ‘is unlikely to stand in [Keita’s] way’ regarding an exit.
His reasoning stems from the player’s persistent injury issues and the fact Keita has generally struggled to justify his £52.75m price tag when fit anyway.
If Keita did move to the San Siro, he’d link back up with former Liverpool favourite, Divock Origi.
The Belgian joined AC as a free agent last summer after years of scoring important goals off the bench for Liverpool.
Origi hasn’t enjoyed the best of starts to his career in Italy thus far, though that doesn’t appear to be dissuading AC from moving for another Liverpool player in Keita.
