Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Naby Keita after RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff ruled out selling the Guinea international this summer.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is thought to be a huge admirer of the 22-year-old, who has been likened to Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.
Keita's energetic displays in midfield helped Leipzig qualify for the Champions League in their first season in the Bundesliga, and the former Red Bull Salzburg star also has a keen eye for goal - scoring eight goals in all competitions last season.
Liverpool are thought to be considering a bid up to £50million for the midfielder, although Mintzlaff insists neither Keita, nor Swedish winger Emil Forsberg, are for sale this summer.