Liverpool’s pursuit of Naby Keita is ‘100%’ over, according to RB Leipzig boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Reds were reported to have given up on landing Jurgen Klopp’s priority summer signing due to Leipzig’s reluctance to let him leave.
And Hasenhuttl confirmed the 22-year-old Guinean midfielder will be staying with the Bundesliga side next season as they prepare for a first season in the Champions League.
When told Liverpool were ending their interest in Keita, Hasenhuttl replied: ‘That’s good.
‘The chance [of him leaving] is “null”. It is 100% clear that Naby will play this year with Leipzig and at the beginning of the transfer window we said we would start with the same team with all the main players we had last year and that no one will go and that will be our answer now also.
‘Everyone can see how important Naby Keita is with our game. Him and [Emil] Forsberg also.
‘These are our two most important players on our team so it’s sure he will be with our team next year.’
When asked if Leipzig being able to offer Champions League football proved a factor in keeping Keita, he replied: ‘Absolutely. Last year in the summer it was not so easy to get all the new good players.
‘Now it’s easier because we give players the chance to play at the highest level.’
When told Liverpool are planning on returning for Keita next summer, he responded: ‘Tell them they will not be the only ones, I think.
‘Until next summer we keep it [the door] closed. Then we will have a look.’
MORE : Emirates Cup scouting report: Is Liverpool target Naby Keita worth £70m?
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