BREAKING NEWS: Keita not joining Liverpool in January, say RB Leipzig

Naby Keita playing for RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig have put speculation "to bed" and declared they will not allow Naby Keita to join Liverpool in January.

The two clubs struck an initial deal in August regarding a future move for Keita at the end of the 2017-18 season.

Back then, Liverpool reportedly triggered a £48million release clause which is due to become active on July 1 2018, while they are also said to have paid an extra £7m in order to secure the transfer a year in advance and loan him back.

Following the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and with Liverpool reportedly eager for midfield reinforcements as they bid to qualify for the Champions League, an attempt to bring Keita to Anfield six months early had been speculated about.

OFFICIAL: Naby #Keïta will remain an #RBLeipzig player until 30th June 2018. We wish to put the speculation about a January move to @LFC to bed. pic.twitter.com/Cilx09m24e

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) January 14, 2018