Football Digest: Liverpool need additions before deadline

Liverpool have reportedly eyed up two Barcelona stars to replace Mohamed Salah if the Reds’ star man does complete a big-money move to Saudi Arabia this summer. The Egyptian has been the subject of substantial interest from Al-Ittihad, forcing Liverpool to plan for his possible departure.

The Daily Mail have claimed that the Saudi giants are preparing a £118million bid to test Liverpool’s resolve despite the Reds firmly stating that Salah is not for sale – especially so late in the window. His future will need to be decided shortly, as the Premier League transfer window closes on Friday but the Saudi Pro League can continue signing players up until September 7.

Al-Ittihad are said to have received encouragement to continue in their pursuit of Salah after Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher accepted that there would be a fee that would force the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group into selling the 31-year-old, though he insisted that figure would be around £150m.

Spanish outlet Sport believe that Liverpool are ready to bid for two Barcelona stars should they sanction a Salah sale, as they are plotting moves for Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli. The pair of wingers could both leave the Nou Camp this summer in search of regular game time, with Xavi preferring other options at the club.

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Liverpool have already enquired about the pair, as Fati especially has been a long-term target of several English teams – with Tottenham and Brighton among those ready to sign the 20-year-old who has struggled with injury since initially bursting onto the scene in La Liga.

While Moroccan international Ezzalzouli spent last season on loan at Osasuna and would likely be regarded as a quality depth option, as opposed to an immediate Salah replacement – with Fati the likelier player to fill that void. The 21-year-old also has interest from Saudi and Aston Villa but could be picked to help replace Salah at Anfield.

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Spurs, though, are thought to be leading the race for Fati as they discuss a loan deal with Barcelona. Ange Postecoglu’s side however could instead sign Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson as any permanent option or obligation for Fati may well see Barcelona insist on a buy-back clause, according to reports.

But Liverpool’s level of interest hinges on whether or not they are convinced to sell Salah to Al-Ittihad and time is currently running out.

The two clubs would need to come to a full agreement with enough time remaining for the Reds to reinvest that money into the squad and there are only a few days remaining of the transfer window in order for that business to be conducted.

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