Liverpool would love to have Naby Keita signed by next week - and the club are reportedly pressing ahead over a deal.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to add the highly-rated midfielder to his ranks, with Keita having emerged as his No1 target.

The Reds are willing to break their club-record transfer fee for the 22-year-old.

And reports have suggested Keita not only wants to move to Anfield this summer but has already agreed a deal in principle.

However, reaching an agreement with RB Leipzig is set to prove the most difficult aspect.

According to The Gambling Times, Liverpool chiefs do not want to pay more than £50million for Keita, and ideally spend even less than that.

But it is recognised the club may have to go beyond that figure to land the Leipzig star, who has a £70m price-tag.

Liverpool have not been put off, though, and have even been encouraged by Keita's supposed stance.

It is said the Guinea international midfielder has made it clear to Leipzig he wants to leave for Anfield, leading the Reds to continue their pursuit.

Jurgen Klopp has tracked Keita's progress for many months and is pushing Liverpool's hierarchy to secure a move.

And The Gambling Times add Liverpool would love to have a deal done for Keita by next week when the team report back for pre-season.

They at least want it agreed in principle, having so far added Mohamed Salah and Dominic Solanke to their squad.

Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, though, is getting fed up by the speculation over Keita, having said: "That topic is boring.

"This is only our second Bundesliga season, our squad is still the youngest and most likely also the most inexperienced.

“Sure, it would be great to start where we left off. It’s an advantage that there’s no upheaval.”

Source: Daily Express

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