Liverpool hope to bring forward the arrival of Keïta from RB Leipzig

Liverpool are in official contact with RB Leipzig as they attempt to bring forward Naby Keïta’s arrival as Philippe Coutinho’s replacement.

Jürgen Klopp, the manager, wants Keïta this month to bolster his side’s Champions League push, and Liverpool will pay another premium before the Guinea midfielder’s scheduled £57million move on July 1.

Leipzig have not yet set a figure that would facilitate an early transfer but, equally, have not told Liverpool to back away during discussions — despite a public stance that they do not want Keïta to leave in January.

Klopp would like to plug the gap left by Coutinho ALEJANDRO GARCIA/EPA

“Nothing has changed,” said Ralph Hasenhüttl, the Leipzig coach, before his team’s match on Saturday against Schalke 04.

“We don’t have reason to sell before summer. I think Naby wants to finish the season