Liverpool, August 30: Liverpool’s priority throughout the summer had been RB Leipzig midfield dynamo Naby Keita and after a long wait, the Reds managed to strike a deal with the stubborn German club for the Guinean midfield star but the fans will have to wait for another year to see their new man.

Liverpool announced the club record acquisition of Naby Keita on Tuesday (August 29) and the player, in his first interview as a Liverpool player, spoke about his excitement to join the five-time European champions.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, the 22-year-old said: 'I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will allow me to join Liverpool Football Club next summer, when I will become part of a project that excites me greatly.

'My commitment to RBL remains absolute for the remainder of my time at the club. I have given my all every time I have worn the shirt – that will be the case until the final whistle, in my final appearance.

'Having my future resolved means I can now focus on helping RBL achieve great things this season. Until I join my new club, next summer, I will remain an interested supporter from a distance.’

With just two days remaining until the summer window closes, Liverpool are also being strongly linked with Monaco ace Thomas Lemar and Southampton's want-away defender Virgil van Dijk.

While, Chelsea looked to beat the Reds for Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but latest reports claim that the Englishman has snubbed Chelsea and is waiting for an offer from Liverpool which is another positive news for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have maintained their stance that Phlippe Coutinho will not be sold under any circumstance which means they will have one of the biggest and strongest squads in Europe for the upcoming season should they sign the names they have been linked with.