Liverpool’s latest attempt to sign Naby Keita has been rejected by RB Leipzig.
Progress on the midfielder’s proposed move to the Reds remains frustratingly slow as Leipzig maintain a hard-line stance on their highly-rated players.
The Guinea international is thought to be open to joining Liverpool this summer although he is still unwilling to force through a switch with a transfer request.
Jurgen Klopp remains intent on landing Keita, who reported back to Leipzig for pre-season training on Thursday, and is refusing to consider alternative targets.
Bild claim that the Bundesliga runners-up have now rebuffed Liverpool’s latest approach with an offer of £57 million said to have been turned down.
Leipzig’s sporting director Ralf Rangnick is refusing to entertain selling any of the club’s best players, of which the 22-year-old is widely considered to be one.
The German club has reiterated its view that no high-profile figures will be allowed to leave ahead of their inaugural Champions League campaign.
A £48m release clause in Keita’s contract will take effect in summer 2018.
But Liverpool had hoped to capitalise on the uncertainty that surrounded Leipzig’s involvement in Europe’s premier club competition
UEFA rules threatened to see them demoted to the Europa League on account of owners Red Bull also running Austrian champions Salzburg, who also qualified.
But a ruling last month insisted that Leipzig were free to enter the Champions League, which has since emboldened their refusal to part with the player.