Liverpool could offload Naby Keita during the January transfer window if they decide against extending his Anfield contract, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp forked out close to £53million to sign the central midfielder in 2018, but it appears his days on Merseyside could be numbered.

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Liverpool transfer news - Naby Keita

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool are now willing to offload Keita with the January transfer window on the horizon. 

There is growing uncertainty over the 27-year-old’s long-term future as he is set to enter the final six months of his £130,000-per-week deal. 

AC Milan, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund have been named as suitors, while Keita will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club at the turn of the year.

The midfielder has upped the ante in recovering from injury after being included in a 33-man squad which headed to Dubai for a warm weather training camp.

Keita was handed a substitute appearance during the 3-1 defeat to French outfit Lyon and, having been described as an ‘important player’ during his post-match press conference, Klopp hinted the Guinean could be in line for more game-time when Liverpool take on AC Milan in another friendly on Friday. 

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Keita?

Sheth understands that the Bundesliga has been touted as a potential destination for Keita despite him currently being at Liverpool's warm weather training camp in Dubai.

The journalist feels there is a possibility a January exit could be on the cards if a contract extension is not agreed before the turn of the year.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: "He has had his injury problems throughout his career at Liverpool.

"There have been links once more to a return to the Bundesliga, but he is with the Liverpool squad now in Dubai and he has resumed training with them.

"It is definitely one to keep an eye on because if Liverpool decide not to extend that contract, then there might even be business to be done in January."

Should Liverpool sell Keita in January?

Liverpool have previously looked into extending Keita’s stay on Merseyside, with sporting director Julian Ward meeting the former Leipzig man’s agent, Bjorn Bezemer, over the summer.

However, an agreement was not reached and it emerged in August that Keita was unhappy after discussions over fresh terms broke down. 

This season has emphasised his injury worries, with Transfermarkt showing he has not made a competitive appearance since a five minute outing in the Community Shield win over Manchester City. 

Keita has missed close to 90 Liverpool fixtures due to various issues and that glaring statistic alone should be enough to tempt Klopp into cashing in during the January window, but a stellar performance during the friendly against AC Milan could force a rethink.

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