Borussia Dortmund's interest in Naby Keita is growing as they search for a replacement for expected summer departure Jude Bellingham.
The Liverpool outcast is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to put pen to paper on a new deal. Instead, the Reds are set to revamp their midfield options amid a disappointing season, with Bellingham their top target.
He has scored 10 goals and notched six assists so far this campaign for Dortmund, as well as stepping up to be one of their vice captains. His performances have drawn the eye of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
But the Reds may now have an advantage in the race to sign the England international. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Dortmund are one of the clubs eyeing a move for Keita.
The Guinean international is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club now, with his deal at Anfield expiring in less than six months. It is said both Keita and Liverpool have already decided to move on from each when that contract ends.
Keita's camp have 'noted' interest from Dortmund, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig as they explore options for his next destination. The Black and Yellow are looking for Bellingham's replacement, with the Englishman almost certain to depart.
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Dortmund will face strong competition from Inter, though, with the Serie A side likely to be restricted to a limited budget in the summer. They have already held talks with Keita's representatives over a potential move.
The interest from Dortmund in Keita adds a fresh twist to the Bellingham saga, with Liverpool pushing hard to sign the midfielder. Keita meanwhile has seen his opportunities steadily decrease over the course of this season.
He has started just three games in the Premier League, with Liverpool's eyes increasing on the future. Boss Jurgen Klopp has frequently spoken highly of Bellingham and labelled him an "exceptional" talent back in December.
"I don't like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional," Klopp said.
"If you mention to someone who has no clue about football, or who knows about football and has not watched it for a while (and ask) 'How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?', I don't think anyone would get even close to his age.
"They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so maturely. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional. With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn.
"So, yes, he is a really good player. What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund. Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it."
