Transfer Centre

Naby Keita: 'I can see myself playing for Manchester City'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 June 2017

Liverpool-linked midfielder Naby Keita hopes to be 'at the level to play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City' within the next few years.

RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has appeared to say his goodbyes to the German club amid strong rumoured interest from Liverpool.

The 22-year-old is the latest member of last season's Bundesliga surprise package to be tipped with a summer exit, earning links to the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Reds.

Despite Leipzig seemingly holding out for a huge sum, Keita looks likely to be on his way out of the club before the window closes.

Liverpool looked to be at the front of the queue to land the Guinea international, but he may have cast doubt on any deal after admitting that he hopes to one day play for a side such as rivals Manchester City.

"I love Leipzig, and I will never forget this city," he told Die Welt. "I hope that I am at the level in two, three years that I could play for one of the very big clubs. This includes Barcelona, but it also includes Real Madrid or Manchester City."

Keita also revealed that Arsenal and Southampton previously made an approach to sign him, prior to joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg last year.