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If Liverpool supporters could claim ignorance over Naby Keita before the start of the week, they can have no such excuse now.

The intense focus on the Reds' interest during recent days has ensured fans have swiftly become accustomed to the RB Leipzig player.

Keita, as everyone knows, is kind of a big deal.

It's why Jurgen Klopp has long pinpointed the Guinea international as the perfect complement to his current group of central midfielders, a box-to-box performer just as capable of creating and scoring goals as providing bite and protection in the engine room.

And it's why Leipzig are so keen to keep hold of their most prized asset as they prepare for their first-ever Champions League campaign.

From Guinean journalists claiming to be close to the player's inner circle and the regular defiance demonstrated by Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick, Keita has prompted significant debate among fans, media and pundits.

However, the machinations of a transfer aren't carried out in the glare of social media.

Behind the scenes, the work will be ongoing, discussions taking place – either directly or indirectly – between clubs and representatives.

Money, of course, talks loudest, but it's not the only way to grease the cogs.

Arms need to be twisted, paths smoothed, fears allayed.

Having a friendly face among the opposing ranks always helps. And it's here where Liverpool may have a surprising ally in their attempts to sign Keita.

Former Reds boss Gerard Houllier.

Earlier this decade, Houllier spent two-and-a-half years as head of global football for Red Bull, the owners of Leipzig.

During that time, he helped persuade Salzburg, then owned by the energy drink giant and with Rangnick as sporting director, to sign Keita when the player was in France with Ligue 2 club FC Istres.

“He had many, many clubs on him, but at the Red Bull Group was Gerard Houllier, and Gerard also spoke about him,” said former Red Bull scout Benoit Thans to ESPN.

“He went to Salzburg first and he was one of the best players (as a) number six. After one or two years, he goes to Leipzig.”

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Houllier stepped down from the role in 2015 when replaced by Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff, for whom he continued to work as an advisor.

Mintzlaff remained in the position until this summer when he stepped down as part of an agreement with UEFA, who were concerned over the integrity of the Champions League after both Leipzig and Salzburg qualified for this season's competition.

Houllier, though, remains a consultant for all Red Bull clubs, as well as proving part-time assistance to his former club Lyon, having recently assisted in the negotiations between the French side and Arsenal over the sale of Alexandre Lacazette.

Houllier, of course, would have Red Bull's best interests in mind.

But should he possess any say regarding Keita's future, it could be worth Liverpool leaning on their association with their former manager.

After all, Houllier knows a good deal regarding the Reds.