Liverpool planning to bring £48m midfield star at Anfield in January

After agreeing a £48 million deal to bring Naby Keita to Anfield next summer, Liverpool are hoping to expedite the midfielder’s transfer in January, reports The Sun.

 It’s thought that RB Leipzig would be reluctant to lose Keita midway through the season, but Liverpool could try to tempt them by increasing the pre-agreed fee.

There are rumours that Keita has lost focus since agreeing to join Liverpool, with Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl criticising his performance in the Champions League defeat to Besiktas on Tuesday.
That may offer some encouragement to Jurgen Klopp, who is keen to bring forward the 22-year-old’s arrival after watching his side win only one of their last six matches in all competitions.

According to the Kelly of Liverpool Echo, while the Reds are keen to move the midfielder’s planned summer switch to the midseason window, their requests are likely to fall on deaf ears.
“There is nothing to stop the Reds attempting to negotiate a fresh deal with Leipzig in January—just as they could for any other player—but the chances of success are considered somewhat remote,”
Kelly added that Leipzig would be keen to keep Keita on board for the entirety of the season, so they have the best chance possible of securing Champions League football for next term.