Cape Town - RB
Leipzig have issued a hands off warning to Liverpool after the Premier
League club expressed interest in midfielder Naby Keita.
Reports surfaced in German media that Jurgen Klopp has been keeping a close eye on the Guinea international as he continues to draw plaudits at the newly-promoted outfit.
The 22-year-old has been the standout performer for Die Bullen as they continue to defy the odds fighting Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, currently sitting in second place.
Carlo Ancelotti's side and Arsenal have also been mentioned as potential suitors, but Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick has denied Keita will leave in the off season.
"Naby's an extraordinary player who could play in any top European team," he told reporters via ESPN. "[He has] no release clause in his contract [and] he's still under contract for a long time yet.
"If we qualify for Europe, there's also no reason why Naby shouldn't play for us next season.
"I don't know if he'll play for us for three or four more years," Rangnick added. "No one knows - we can't all look into a crystal ball. But I think it's very likely he'll play for us next season."
Keita has scored four goals and registered a further eight assists in 22 Bundesliga games.