Liverpool rejects RB Leipzig offer for midfielder despite concrete talks

Liverpool has turned down a proposal from RB Leipzig for one of its promising young players. However, 'concrete talks' have been held.

The Reds have long since enjoyed a close connection with the Red Bull network, signing Ibrahima Konate , Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino from either Leipzig or Salzburg. Sadio Mane also came through at the Austrian club, albeit arriving at Liverpool via Southampton.

Unfortunately, the last piece of business between the two did not go according to plan. Liverpool loaned Fabio Carvalho to RB Leipzig last summer, in what was meant to be a season-long arrangement, but it was cut short in January after the attacking midfielder struggled for game time.

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Carvalho moved on to Hull City instead, where he enjoyed far more success. He joined up with fellow Liverpool loanee Tyler Morton at the MKM Stadium.

And it's Morton whom Leipzig is now keen on adding to the ranks. According to Florian Plettenberg , "concrete talks" have taken place, and the midfielder "can really imagine" making the move.

You'd have thought Carvalho might be whispering words of caution into his ear. But that's not the current sticking point, with Liverpool rejecting RB Leipzig's initial proposal because it was unhappy with one term in particular.

"Leipzig pushing for a loan with an option to buy. Liverpool, not interested in this loan structure."

It's unclear why Liverpool objects to this kind of deal. The obvious conclusion would be that it is not yet willing to lose Morton permanently, given the promise the 21-year-old has shown, but it might also be a case of trying to secure a guaranteed fee rather than an option.

With no agreement in place, Morton currently looks set to report in for pre-season at the start of next week. That would give Arne Slot the chance to run the rule over him in person, assessing whether he has a role to play at Liverpool this season.

Liverpool.com says: RB Leizpig is renowned for developing young players, even if Carvalho offers something of a cautionary tale. If Morton is to move, it does look like a pretty good next step on paper.

Meanwhile, Liverpool (and especially Michael Edwards , a known admirer) would no doubt be pleased to retain a positive relationship with Red Bull. But the club is right to stand firm against an option to buy, a set-up which gives Leipzig all the cards with no real upside for the Reds.