Liverpool end interest in Leipzig star Naby Keita

Oli Fisher

Liverpool ended their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita after their second bid was rejected, a report claims.

Sky Sports are reporting that the Reds have given up on Keita after their second bid was turned down by the Bundesliga club two weeks ago.

Widespread reports claimed that Liverpool were preparing a third and final bid for the 22-year-old, however Sky believe this to be untrue.

Liverpool had an initial bid of £57million at the start of this month rebuffed by Leipzig, and they returned with an offer that was worth around £66million.

Keita, according to various claims, was keen on a move to the Premier League, but the stance of his club has prevented a conclusion to negotiations.

The only way a transfer could still happen prior to the end of August would be if Leipzig performed a U-turn and decided they do not wish to keep an unhappy player.

Leipzig sporting director Rangnick recently stated that he believes the 22-year-old Guinea international is being poorly advised and insists too many outside people are offering their thoughts on his future.

Rangnick said: “There should be someone who points them into the right direction.

“The boys themselves are not the problem here. It is their surroundings.

“A whole village in Guinea or somebody from their entourage tells the players why they must do something right away. I can’t blame the players.”