Jurgen Klopp takes firm stance on Naby Keita after face-to-face agent talks over Liverpool future

Despite acknowledging that a replacement would be required if Naby Keita left this month

Jurgen Klopp said he is not considering selling the Guinean international before the transfer deadline on September 1.

Keita's initial contract, which he signed in 2017 before joining in the summer of 2018, is coming to an end,

and he is free to speak with clubs outside of England in January about a pre-contract deal.

The £52 million midfielder is yet to play this season due to illness, missing Liverpool's 1-1 tie with Crystal Palace last week and the Fulham fixture on August 6.

The club has an excellent working relationship with agent Bjorn Bezemer, who also represents Sadio Mane,

 and the ECHO believes that negotiations for a new contract are still ongoing with the No. 8's representation.

Keita's future in Spain was discussed in person earlier this month, but Klopp claims he won't be trying to sell the former RB Leipzig star this month.