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Naby Keita is a class act, but Liverpool will fail in their bid to sign the RB Leipzig midfielder this summer.

That's the opinion of Oliver Hartmann, chief reporter and Leipzig correspondent for respected German sports magazine Kicker.

Hartmann watched Keita take the Bundesliga by storm last season and isn't surprised that Jurgen Klopp is keen to secure his services.

However, he explained to the ECHO why he believes the Guinea international will stay put during the transfer window.

Do you think Leipzig will agree to sell Keita to Liverpool this summer?

No way.

There has been some speculation in Germany that it might take a bid of 80million Euros to get the deal done.....

Ralf Rangnick (Leipzig's sporting director) said that he will not sell any major player this summer. And a 'no' from Rangnick means 'no'. Keita can leave next year for approximately 55million Euros. He has a clause in his contract

Is it more difficult for Liverpool to get Keita now that UEFA have ruled that Leipzig are free to compete in the Champions League?

The major point this summer is that Leipzig don't need the money because they have Red Bull. But they need Keita and (Emil) Forsberg for success.

Has Keita himself given any indication whether he wants to stay at Leipzig or pursue a new challenge at Anfield?

Keita told journalists after the match between Guinea and Algeria three weeks ago that he accepted the fact that Leipzig won't let him go. He said: “I know that many clubs are interested. I want to play Champions League and Leipzig will play Champions League.”

For those who didn't see him much for Leipzig last season, how good was he? What are his main strengths?

He is with Forsberg and (Timo) Werner the most important player in the squad.

He is technically and physically very strong. Many people were surprised that he played so well in his first season in a major league.

Kicker voted him the best and most important player over the season in the position of central midfield.

What about any interest in Keita from other clubs? Are Bayern Munich still keen on him?

Bayern were interested and I think they will try to catch him next year. They know that this summer there is no chance.

He's only had one year in the Bundesliga. Would it be a gamble for Liverpool to shatter their transfer record for someone who is still relatively inexperienced?

No, I don't think it would be a gamble. For sure he would be well suited to the Premier League. But Leipzig don't need the money.