Liverpool are growing increasingly frustrated at not being able to persuade RB Leipzig to part with midfield star Naby Keita, but they are ready to go back with a bid in excess of £70million.

The 22-year-old Guinea midfielder has emerged as Liverpool’s top transfer target, and they have already had a couple of bids turned down – the latest being £66million, which they believed would be enough.

Keita is understood to be keen on making the move and has told Leipzig as much, but they are standing firm – which has led to increasing frustration for within the corridor of power at Anfield.

But Liverpool are not finished and sources believe a bid in the region of £75million may be needed to get Keita, although Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz is insistent.

And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits they are lucky to be able to fend off big interest.

“Mr Mateschitz? What did he say? Lucky man, huh?” They don’t have to sell players. When I was at Dortmund we always had to sell players.”

I understand Liverpool do have a list of alternatives, but Klopp and his coaching staff firmly believe Keita could be so influential on their side, they want them to keep trying.

Bookmakers still believe there is a firm chance Liverpool will take him with SkyBet making them Evens, but him staying with Leipzig is 8/11.