Leipzig rule out early Liverpool switch for Keita

Keita has already agreed to join Liverpool next summer, but reports had claimed that Jurgen Klopp's side could try to bring the move forward to January due to Leipzig's struggles in the Champions League.

However, Rangnick has closed the door on an early move, saying that is simply does not make sense for the German side to allow the 22-year-old to leave the club early.

Rangnick told 'Leipziger Volkszeitung': "Even if we should not reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, it would make no sense to allow Naby to join Liverpool earlier.

"We want to qualify for Europe again and we need Naby for that."

Keita has endured a frustrating season so far, havin been sent off three times for club and countery as well as being slapped with a six-figure fine for using a forged driver's license but Rangnick was still full of praise for the player.

"Naby's easy-going. It's hard not to get on well with him. Naby trains well, plays well, is always on time. He's popular in the team," he explained.