Leipzig chief reveals four on transfer chopping block amid Liverpool, Tottenham links

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has revealed that he is looking to remove four players from his squad, amid transfer links with Liverpool and Tottenham.

The Bundesliga club have earned a reputation in recent seasons for signing and developing some of Europe’s most exciting talents. Indeed, Timo Werner became one of the continent’s most consistent strikers last season, earning a move to Chelsea. Meanwhile, centre-back Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich this summer.

Despite such high-profile exits, though, the squad still contains players coveted by clubs across Europe.

Tottenham have shown interest in midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, while Liverpool are in talks over signing defender Ibrahima Konate.

With Upamecano going in the summer, Leipzig have already found replacements for his presence. Strasbourg’s Mohamed Simakan will join in the summer, as will Josko Gvardiol from Dinamo Zagreb.

Leipzig have also brought in forward Brian Bobbey and Mintzlaff has therefore revealed to Bild that he wants four faces gone this summer. That could indeed see Sabitzer and Konate leave as part of a reshuffle, perhaps to Tottenham and Liverpool respectively.

“With the newcomers, we now have a squad size of 25 for the new season. We have a size of 21 in mind,” the chief said.

“So something else will happen. That is logical. We can not only buy, but also have to give up players from time to time.

Stephen Warnock: 'Liverpool need to make signings this summer'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says the club must sign a centre-back and a striker this summer.

“I am not at all ruling out the possibility that we will strengthen ourselves further.

“That has something to do with long-term and good squad planning.”

Liverpool will reportedly offer Konate a five-year contract if talks continue to progress with Konate.

However, his fee could present a sticking point in the deal; while lower fees have been touted, the Reds could have to pay up to £40million for the Frenchman.

Liverpool tipped to have found Firmino replacement

Meanwhile, Liverpool head into the transfer window with criticism coming Roberto Firmino’s way.

The No. 9 plays a key role in the front three – including with his pressing – but his lack of goals has become a concern.

Nevertheless, one pundit believes that his replacement is already in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

READ MORE: Whelan believes Klopp has already found Firmino replacement at Liverpool