Liverpool have been clever in ensuring that Keïta does not slip through their grasp

Naby Keïta has said the prospect of joining Liverpool next summer “excites me greatly” after his move from RB Leipzig was officially confirmed this morning.

Liverpool have struck a deal which will see them paying an initial fee in the region of £51 million for Guinea international Keïta who will join on July 1, 2018.

There is the prospect for three days of frenzied activity, with manager Jürgen Klopp primed for any softening in Southampton’s stance that Virgil van Dijk is not for sale before Thursday’s deadline, while he is also considering Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.

Klopp sees Keïta operating as an attacking midfielder, rather than a No 6 holding player ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

In addition, Liverpool say any renewed attempt by Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho will be rejected for a fourth time.

The feelgood factor around the club