Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp blocked an transfer involving one of the club's current players in January, according to a new report.
The Reds did little business, either incoming or outgoing, in the recent window. The only arrival to Anfield was the £38 million deal to bring in Cody Gakpo from PSV.
Liverpool elected not to sign a midfielder or defender, despite injuries and a lack of form being present in both areas.
Advert
Instead, Klopp confirmed in advance on deadline day that he would complete the season with his current squad, rather than making any late additions.
Sky Germany reported last month that the Reds remain one of the favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old's is valued by his current club at £130 million by his current club, and it could be that Liverpool focus their transfer efforts on Bellingham in the summer.
For now, though, Liverpool are targeting an improvement on recent performances, with Klopp's side having not won in four Premier League games.
Advert
They currently sit 10th in the table heading into this weekend's fixtures, 11 points off a Champions League qualification spot. And it has now been reported that Klopp blocked a move for one of his midfielders so that he could aid their efforts.
Jurgen Klopp 'blocked' Liverpool move
According to German outlet Bild (as per Sport Witness), RB Leipzig tried to sign Reds midfielder Naby Keita in the closing stages of the January window. However, Klopp is said to have refused to sanction a return to the player's former club.
The decision may be seen as risky to some, with the Guinea international's contract due to expire this summer. He is currently free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a European club, having entered the final six months of his deal.
Advert
And Bild claim that Leipzig will return with a fresh offer for the midfielder in the summer. Liverpool, therefore, risk losing the midfielder for free.
According to 90min, Keita is said to have told Liverpool that he was considering his future at the club in the summer, amid concern at not starting the Champions League final against Real Madrid and not being offered a new deal.
The Reds paid £52.75 million for the midfielder in 2016 when they signed him from Leipzig, and now will make a huge loss on the player if he does depart this summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Naby Keita, Premier League, Transfers