Manchester City have reportedly joined Liverpool in pursuit of Naby Keita as the race to sign the RB Leipzig midfielder this summer heats up
According to a report in 101 Great Goals, Naby Keita has a new suitor vying for his signature, with Manchester City interested in signing him in this summer’s transfer window. The Citizens have joined Premier League rivals Liverpool in pursuit of the RB Leipzig midfielder.
Keita joined Leipzig from the East German outfit’s sister club Red Bull Salzburg last summer, and enjoyed a fine debut campaign in Bundesliga. The player’s impact was so pronounced that he took no time to establish himself as an instrumental figure at Red Bull Arena.
In fact, Keita played a key role to help Leipzig to a shock second-place finish in Bundesliga last season, with his tenacious performances at the heart of midfield.
Manchester City have contacted the agent of Naby Keita, But the Guinean wants only Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/NnTU67ve9I
— AccaTracker App (@AccaTrackerTM) July 15, 2017
Moreover, the Guinea international didn’t shy away from making an impact in attack either as he bagged eight goal and as many assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
His exploits for Leipzig does not bode well for the East German club though, as suitors have lining up to secure the player’s services this summer. Chief among these are Liverpool, who have been hot in pursuit of Keita for several months now, making their attempts to bring the youngster to Anfield.
Indeed, Jurgen Klopp is believed to be keen on making improvements to the squad at his disposal at Liverpool ahead of the Reds’ return to the Champions League. One of his concerns is midfield, as per reports.
The German manager currently has Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Georgionio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and Marko Grujic as his options. But Henderson and Grujic have been troubled by a spate of injuries and their availability has been a concern for Klopp, leaving just three players for three positions.
Thus, the Liverpool boss has been eyeing Keita, with the most recent reports claiming that the Reds have reached agreement with the player over personal terms. Manchester City, though, are set to provide a late challenge to their Premier League rivals in a bid to land the player.
The likes of Fernandinho, Fernando, Fabian Delph and Ilkay Gundogan are the current midfield options at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. But while the German is recovering from a long-term injury, Fernando and Delph have failed to make their mark for the Citizens.
Fernandinho, meanwhile, began to show signs of age catching up to him towards the end of the 2016/17 season, forcing Guardiola to delve into the transfer market for a midfielder. Therefore, City are set to make a move to land the Guinean this summer.
The all-action midfielder is a perfect fit for either club with his abilities on the ball and work rate. Keita, though, is keen on moving to Liverpool instead, making the Merseyside club the firm favourites. It now remains to be seen if the Citizens can usurp Liverpool in the race to sign him or if the Reds go on to land the player.
