Premier League giants Liverpool are eyeing PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as a replacement for Mohamed Salah should he leave the club.
Anfield’s beloved Egyptian international has been liked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and could be tempted by the idea of a huge salary abroad.
Al-Ittihad are reportedly preparing to offer the Premier League side £200million for the 31-year-old to test Jurgen Klopp’s claims that he is not for sale.
Salah has already provided four goal contributions for the Reds this season and they sit two points behind leaders Manchester City heading into the international break.
Should he leave for Saudi Arabia before their window shuts on September 7, Liverpool will be left short-staffed until January when they can sign a replacement.
The Daily Express claim that the 2019 Champions League winners have already lined up Bakayoko as an alternative for their speedy winger, in a deal that could reach £45m.
Bakayoko, 20, has enjoyed a fast start to the new campaign, helping PSV reach the Champions League group stage and record a perfect start in the Eredivisie an
The report suggests that Brentford pushed to sign the young talent in the final days of the transfer window but the rising star rejected a £34m switch in favour of staying with his current club and playing in Europe.