Liverpool suffer huge blow in pursuit of Lazio winger Keita Balde

Premier League giants Liverpool have suffered a huge blow in their quest for Lazio’s Keita Balde as the 22-year-old is set to sign for Juventus, according to CalcioMercato (via The Sunday Express).

The winger enjoyed a scintillating campaign with the Italian giants this season, netting 16 goals and laying on three assists in 31 league games to help the club to fifth place in Serie A, 21 points behind champions Juve.

And it looks like he’ll be linking up with Massimiliano Allegri at the Juventus Stadium this summer as reports suggest that the Senegal international has agreed terms with the Champions League beaten finalists, who lost to Real Madrid in the showpiece in Cardiff on Saturday night.

And that will come as a significant blow to Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who were also reported to be interested in Keita as they look to bolster their own attacking options ahead of their return to the Champions League.

The Merseyside outfit secured a top four finish in the Premier League to book their spot in the play-off round for Europe’s elite competition, and for them to be competitive on both domestic and European fronts next term, Klopp will likely need to seriously reinforce his squad over the summer.

But it looks like they are going to miss out on Keita, and will thus have to turn their attentions to other transfer targets.