Leipzig gearing up for season 'with Naby' as Liverpool's pursuit dwindles

Liverpool's hopes of signing Naby Keita continue to fade as RB Leipzig, once again, indicated that the 22-year-old will continue on at the club when the Bundesliga season kicks off next month.

The Premier League side is believed to have been in pursuit of Keita for most of the summer after submitting multiple bids that have failed to convince Leipzig to sell the gifted midfielder.

Liverpool reportedly opted to suspend its quest to sign Keita until next summer in the days and weeks after Leipzig turned down an offer worth €75 million - which would have shattered Liverpool's club transfer record.

On Wednesday, Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff added credence to reports of Liverpool's withdrawal by indicating that Keita - one of the team's breakout stars during its debut in the Bundesliga last term - is expected to suit up for the club when the season begins Aug. 19 against FC Schalke.

“We’re looking forward to the season ahead - together with Naby!” Mintzlaff said after Keita played 45 minutes in Tuesday's friendly against Konyaspor.

Liverpool's desire to shift its attention elsewhere and sign another midfielder, however, has been offset by Andy Robertson's arrival from Hull City last week, as the Scottish left-back's transfer to Anfield could see James Milner move back into midfield after featuring primarily as a defender last season.