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Liverpool have rejected a £150million verbal offer for Mohamed Salah from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
The Middle Eastern mega-spenders have their eyes fixed on Liverpool’s star man – and Mail Sport understands they are ready to go to ‘Kylian Mbappe level’ money to get him.
Bosses for the SPL are on the ground in Europe to try and thrash out what would be the biggest signing of the summer.
One of the big concerns for Liverpool is that the European transfer window closes on Friday September 1 at 11pm, while the Saudi market remains open until September 7. The Reds have looked into potential replacements in the last 48 hours, but have not firmed anything up as they look to keep Salah.
A £150million bid for Mohamed Salah from Saudi Arabia has swiftly been rejected by Liverpool
Liverpool would likely be unable to find a readymade replacement for Salah so late in the window with less than 10 hours remaining for Premier League sides to complete business.
Salah’s status as the biggest Arab athlete in the world is fuelling Saudi Arabia’s pursuit with Al-Ittihad evidently prepared to push until the final hour on Friday.
However, Liverpool are in no rush to sell given the player still has two years remaining on his existing contract.
Salah would easily be Saudi’s biggest coup of the summer after already bringing Brazilian star Neymar to the nation from Paris Saint-Germain in August.
Al-Ittihad’s bargaining continues the trend of targeting Liverpool players with lucrative moves to the Middle East after several other big names quite Anfield for the riches on offer in the Kingdom.
Jordan Henderson gave up the club captaincy to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, while Fabinho and Roberto Firmino also secured exits.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and centre back Ibrahima Konate were also the subject of interest but wanted to continue at the Premier League giants.
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Mail Sport understands that Liverpool have started the process of exploring alternatives, should Salah look to force through a move to Saudi Arabia.
Jurgen Klopp wants to block any move for Salah on the final day of the transfer window
Salah is desperately wanted by Al-Ittihad given his position as the world’s biggest Arab athlete
Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas took steps to reassure Liverpool fans earlier in the month by publicly stating he would not be leaving this summer, but that hasn’t deterred Saudi money men.
Al-Ittihad, the club who want Salah, have already signed Fabinho from Anfield this summer, and have tempted former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante to the club, along with ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Salah trained on Wednesday and was pictured looking relaxed with a smile on his face. The Egyptian spent a day off on Tuesday in London, where he took in some artefacts from his homeland during a trip to a museum.
Liverpool have so far steadfastly rebuked any attempts, with manager Klopp now playing a more central role than ever in transfer strategy.
Since Michael Edwards and Julian Ward departed Liverpool, Klopp is influential in transfer strategy alongside current sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, who was crucial in tempting Dominik Szoboszlai to the club in a swift business deal.
Klopp said last Friday that there was nothing to report or talk about when asked about a bid for Salah, and now things have stepped up with an official offer knocked back.
Salah is 31 and on around £350,000 a week at Liverpool, and they could cash in next summer if they dismiss attempts to land him on deadline day.
Despite not wanting to sell Salah, Mail Sport understands Liverpool are scouting alternatives
