Liverpool are reportedly ready to shelve their interest in Naby Keita after growing pessimistic about their hopes of signing the RB Leipzig midfielder.
The 22-year-old is understood to be Reds boss Jurgen Klopp's top summer transfer target, seen as the ideal player to shore up the club's midfield ranks ahead of their potential Champions League return.
After having three bids rejected for the Guinea international, however, the latest of which is thought to be worth up to £75m, Liverpool are now considering abandoning their pursuit.
Leipzig have not budged on their stance all summer, refusing to sell the player to Liverpool regardless of how much is offered, even if it exceeds the previous transfer record.
Keita is due to see an exit clause in his contract kick in at the end of next season, though, leaving him available to sign for £48m, and The Telegraph reports that the Merseyside outfit will now wait until then before making a fresh approach.
Liverpool have also been left frustrated in their attempt to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, though the defender's omission from the Saints' pre-season tour squad is said to have given them renewed hope of completing a deal before the August 31 deadline.
Daniel Lewis
