Liverpool on alert as Barcelona make SHOCK decision over Salah transfer

Liverpool could receive a boost in their hopes of keeping hold of Mohamed Salah after one of the top European sides linked to Egyptian are reported to be bowing out of the race to sign him.

Salah is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and the 32-year-old has admitted that he could leave Liverpool on a free transfer next summer, with plenty of interest in the forward.

Barcelona are among the teams said to have been chasing Salah but Catalan outlet El Nacional has claimed that a potential transfer for the Liverpool star has not convinced manager Hansi Flick.

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Flick is described as having reservations over Salah’s age and feels that the club would be better suited in signing Leroy Sane, who is also in the last 12 months of his contract with Bayern Munich.

Salah’s preference to play on the right wing is also said to be a factor, with a belief that his signing would stunt the development of Lamine Yamal, who has been used in that position since breaking into Barca’s first team.

Flick has allegedly taken a ‘firm stance’ over the matter and has encouraged Barcelona to pursue a more convincing option in Sane, whom he managed at Bayern Munich and with Germany.

Liverpool not giving up hope on Salah renewal

Barcelona’s apparent stance would be a welcome surprise for Liverpool, who have yet to give up hopes of renewing Salah’s deal despite his uncertainty over the matter.

Salah has been the subject of numerous approaches from Saudi Pro League sides and the lucrative contract on offer could prove a tempting proposition for the Liverpool legend.

Liverpool are rumoured to be willing to increase their offer to Salah in order to convince him to stay but optimism is fading that their talisman will pen a new contract.

The situation mirrors that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom Real Madrid are hoping to sign when his contract expires next summer, although Liverpool are more confident that Virgil van Dijk will sign a new deal as negotiations continue with all three players.