Liverpool tipped to green light Naby Keita move after Newcastle twist – pundit
Frank McAvennie has claimed Jurgen Klopp will not stand in the way of Naby Keita if he wants to leave Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said Keita has not “set the world on fire” during his time with the Reds so far.
According to Italian outlet MilanLive (25 October), Newcastle United are interested in the 27-year-old, whose Anfield contract expires in the summer.
The Magpies are believed to face competition from AC Milan, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund to nab the midfielder on a free transfer.
The Guinea international has been absent for most of the 2022-23 season due to injury but has recently returned to full training.
McAvennie insisted Klopp will let Keita move on.
“He has not hit the ground running,” he told Football Insider.
“He has not set the world on fire, he has not set Anfield on fire. Thiago [Alcantara] came in as if he owned the club. That is what the top players at Liverpool want.
“Keita has not done it. I do not think Klopp will stand in anyone’s way if they are not going to get a game. Maybe I am wrong but I do not see that in Klopp.
“It is like Pep [Guardiola] with [Gabriel] Jesus and [Oleksandr] Zinchenko. I think Klopp is in the same mould. If you do not want them in the team let them go.“
In other news, sources have told this site that Liverpool star Luis Diaz will be back earlier than expected.