Jurgen Klopp was key for Liverpool in clinching the signing of Naby Keita.

The RB Leipzig midfielder agreed to join Liverpool in August, though won't formally arrive at Anfield until the end of the season.

BILD says Klopp's reputation for excellent man-management convinced Keita.

The midfielder asked Sadio Mane about working with the German and the Liverpool attacker's praise went a long way to persuading Keita. Klopp's relationship with intermediary Bjorn Bezemer was also a big factor.

Liverpool agreed to pay €75m for Keita, despite his buyout clause falling to €50m next year.

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has paid tribute to Reds legend Kenny Dalglish.

It was Dalglish who signed Henderson six years ago from Sunderland.

Henderson attended the world premiere of Kenny, the biopic of Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

On signing for the Reds, he said: “It was a huge confidence boost, and to my dad as well who is a big fan!

“A big reason why I came to Liverpool in the first place is because Kenny had so much belief in me as a player and as a person as well.

“For that, I will never be able to thank him enough."