Naby Keita is ‘comfortable’ at RB Leipzig despite Liverpool’s continued pursuit.
The midfielder has been the subject of intense interest from the Reds with a series of high-figure offers being rejected by Leipzig in recent weeks.
Jurgen Klopp remains undeterred in his bid to land Keita but the Bundesliga outfit are continuing to prove similarly steadfast in their refusal to sell the player.
Sporting chief Ralph Rangnick and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff have reiterated Leipzig’s stance as the Guinea international continues to be touted for a move to Anfield.
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has now weighed into the debate, insisting that both Keita and Emil Forsberg are both despite the current speculation on their futures.
“You can see that they feel comfortable here and are looking forward to the new season. They know very well what they have here,” he told Kicker.
“It’s a huge compliment for us that we awoke such desires, but it’s not the general idea of our path to allow players a transfer following the first available offer.
“Our goal is to become a large and well-established club and that is what we have done this summer, a significant step.”
Klopp refused to be drawn on his interest in Keita as he spoke on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League Asia Trophy game with Crystal Palace.
He said: “There’s nothing new to say about this.
“I cannot clarify anything. It is like it is. It’s the transfer market, so everything is open until [August] 31.
“It’s the market, you go for things – sometimes they work out, sometimes not.
“That’s how it is. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s like this. I’m still relaxed.”