Liverpool: £101m star 'Klopp's long-term target' at Anfield

Liverpool’s long-term midfield transfer target is Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham while Naby Keita’s future remains up in the air at Anfield, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Jurgen Klopp has overseen a dismal start to the Premier League season, with just two points on the board after three games, but still has time to strengthen ahead of the September 1 deadline.

According to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg, Keita is unhappy with his current contract situation on Merseyside.

The reporter claims that talks over a new deal have been shelved and that there is now a chance he would leave before the deadline.

Keita was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Monday night but Klopp confirmed after full-time that the Guinea international had suffered an injury.

Thiago Alcantara also remains sidelined with a fitness problem of his own, leading to calls for the club to sign a new midfielder.

The Reds were linked with Sporting star Matheus Nunes but the Portuguese has since joined Wolves.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Bellingham, although the Bundesliga side have currently set a £101 million price tag on his head.

Sheth understands the former Birmingham City star remains the club’s long-term top target.

He adds that it is unlikely that Klopp would consider allowing an unhappy Keita to leave this summer unless a replacement was lined up.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “A lot of people are saying ‘look, regardless of Keita’s situation, Liverpool need to strengthen that midfield area’. Thiago’s injured and there are a couple of other issues in that midfield, it’s either very old or very young.

“With Thiago injured,