The Reds are understood to be interested in signing Lazio hitman Keita Balde Diao with the player set for ‘showdown’ talks with his club to discuss his future.
The 20-year-old Senegalese striker who enjoyed a youth career at Barcelona between 2004-2011 has been at Lazio since 2013 where he has made 48 appearances and scored 6 goals.
Keita himself turned down an opportunity to return to Barca after a loan spell at the Cornella youth outfit where he scored an incredible 47 goals in 2010-11 and attracted interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Keita was born in Catalonia to Senegalese parents but only gained Spanish citizenship when he joined the Lazio youth team as an EU passport was required for registration. According to a report in the Metro the player has demanded to leave Lazio and will hold talks with Claudio Lotito next week where the president will attempt to prevent the player from leaving.
The report suggests that Rodgers is keen on Keita but will face competition from Arsenal for the promising young player.
Source: DSG
