Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool as ongoing discussions regarding Mohamed Salah’s future at the club remain deadlocked.
The current Salah situation means the Reds have become much more active in their quest to source alternative options if they cannot keep their prized asset.
Salah’s contract is due to expire in June 2023 but there has been no agreement between the club and Salah’s representative, Remy Abbas, aimed a broadside at the club, the agent taking to Twitter as Jurgen Klopp made reference to the situation at a recent press conference.
Diaby has enjoyed a strong season at Bayer Leverkusen and the former PSG youngster has reportedly told a French newspaper that he does not rule out leaving the club as he seeks guaranteed Champions League football, with Fichajes linking him with the Reds.
Liverpool remain interested in signing Jude Bellingham from fellow Bundesliga outfit, Borussia Dortmund, though competition for his signature is notably fierce with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea also expressing interest.
According to German outlet, Bild, the Spanish club appear favourites at present and are entertaining the idea of a double swoop with team-mate Erling Haaland in a drive to bring about a new era at the Bernabeu.
Reds captain Jordan Henderson is a big fan of this England colleague and told Sportbible : “I like the way he plays. I like his personality, which is the most important thing. I like the way he conducts himself. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.
"He’s a great lad, a fantastic player and I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength as he gets older and matures. When I watch him, he plays with such maturity even now. The sky is the limit for him really."
Were neither option available, Portuguese winger, Otavio has also been speculated as a potential replacement for Salah.
At 27 years of age, he has more mileage on the clock than the other two options though he has proved particularly impressive in the Liga NOS this season.
The club have experience of dealing with his current employer, Porto, having secured the services of Luis Diaz earlier this year but any negotiations will be not be easy as a buyout clause of 50 million euros exists.
