Liverpool target Naby Keita has ambitions of playing for "one of the very big clubs" but appears to have a preference for Manchester City over Jurgen Klopp's side when it comes to the Premier League.
The highly-rated Guinea midfielder, whom RB Leipzig value at £70million, name-checked City alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid when discussing where he wants to be in a couple of years' time.
Keita claims he was approached by a number of English clubs – including Liverpool, City and Arsenal - last summer prior to his £12.75m move from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
"Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester City and Liverpool, although I did not talk with the coach," Keita told Welt when asked about who had expressed an interest in him last summer.
The German newspaper claims Keita talked to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, with whom he shares a common language of French, but did not speak with Klopp.
According to Welt the 22-year-old turned down a move to England as he felt he needed more development time at a non-Champions League club.
However, a successful season in the Bundesliga, in which he helped Leipzig to second place securing Champions League football, has enhanced his profile and now he is now more confident about his abilities.
"I hope, however, that I have the level in two, three years and could play for one of the very big clubs," he added.
"This includes Barcelona, but it also includes Real Madrid or Manchester City."
