Liverpool are reportedly optimistic about their chances of tying midfielder Naby Keita down to a new contract.
The 27-year-old has largely failed to live up to expectations since joining the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2018, as a number of injury issues have bedevilled him.
Keita is currently sidelined with his latest hamstring injury, and he has entered the final year of his contract with Jurgen Klopp's side, who are at risk of losing him on a free next summer.
The Guinea international commanded a £54m fee to leave Leipzig for Anfield four years ago, and the Reds are therefore determined not to let him walk out of the door for nothing.
Keita can begin negotiations with foreign clubs in January if no new deal is agreed, but according to Football Insider, those inside Anfield are hopeful that an agreement can be reached on fresh terms.
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The report adds that Liverpool have now initiated discussions with Keita's camp over a new contract, and negotiations with the 27-year-old's representatives are moving along nicely.
As well as maintaining Keita's market value, Klopp supposedly believes that the ex-Red Bull Salzburg man is an invaluable member of the Liverpool team when fully fit.
As a result, Klopp has personally approved a potential new deal for Keita, who has 11 goals and seven assists to boast from 117 outings in a Liverpool shirt in all competitions.
However, the Guinea international has missed a further 69 games through injury or illness, and his most recent appearance for the Merseyside giants came in the Community Shield win over Manchester City at the end of July.
Keita is still waiting for his first minutes in the Premier League, and he was left out of Liverpool's Champions League group-stage squad due to his hamstring problem.
Guinea had initially summoned Keita for September's matches against Algeria and Ivory Coast, but the National Elephants confirmed in a statement earlier this week that the Liverpool man would not be taking part in the games.
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"The midfielder and captain of the Syli National will not be able to honour his summons on the sidelines of the international break in September 2022 due to his state of physical health," the statement read.
"Selected as the 24th player, Naby Keita was followed closely by the technical staff of the national team of Guinea. His state of health has been the subject of particular attention and regular exchanges have taken place between the Guinean Football Federation, Liverpool Football Club and the player.
"As indicated by the national coach on September 7, 2022, Mr. Kaba Diawara, a final assessment was made by the technical staff. It has been noted that the player's situation is improving. However, according to the medical report sent by the Liverpool Football Club, Naby Keita is considered too fair for the two games of Guinea.
"The technical staff of the Guinea national team has made the final decision to let the player continue his club's treatment protocol in order to allow him to return to competition as soon as possible and be available for the next national team matches, and in clubs."
Liverpool are supposedly hopeful that Keita will be fit to return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion on October 1 following the international break, and Klopp has also seen Jordan Henderson battle back from his hamstring injury to replace Kalvin Phillips in the England squad.
However, Andy Robertson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Calvin Ramsay, Caoimhin Kelleher and Ibrahima Konate are all injury concerns for the Reds ahead of their return to Premier League action.
Ben Knapton
