Naby Keita is putting off new contract talks with Liverpool until the New Year.
The Guinea midfielder’s current deal runs to the end of the season, so allowing him to enter pre-contract talks with any foreign club from January 1.
And he will not discuss his contract situation with Liverpool until January, according to BILD football chief Christian Falk.
A return to Germany has been suggested, with former club RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund both interested.
But the Reds are also keen on opening contract talks before January, well aware of suitors drawing up pre-contract offers.