Liverpool set to finally end their pursuit of Naby Keita

Liverpool will not be coming back with a third offer for the Guinea midfielder as Jurgen Klopp is ready to move on and start planning for the new season without Keita.

The Reds lodged a second bid of £66 million two weeks ago but was immediately turned down by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig who will not sell unless their asking price of close to £80 million is met.  

According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp met with Liverpool's Sporting Director Michael Edwards to talk about whether or not to lodge a third bid for Keita and have reached a conclusion to end their pursuit in the Guinea international.  

It was also reported that Liverpool will return for Keita at the end of next season as the player will have a release clause priced at £48 million. 

Liverpool could turn their attention to Ivan Rakitic. Barcelona wants to use the Croatian midfielder in a player-plus-cash deal for Coutinho. Klopp could be tempted to engage in this deal as a replacement target for Keita. 

Moreover, the stellar performances of Ben Woodburn and Georginio Wijnaldum have convinced Klopp that his midfield is already well-equipped ahead of the new season and that he can do away with Naby Keita.