Liverpool set DEADLINE for crunch contract talks; 2 replacements shortlisted just in case

Liverpool have reportedly set a deadline for contract talks with Mohamed Salah. The Reds even have two replacements shortlisted - just in case.

Teamtalk claim Liverpool have a deadline in place for their contract talks with Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has one year remaining on his deal - and no absolute guarantee that another one is set.

Now, talk is that Salah wants to sign a new deal and continue with Liverpool. There's interest in him, however, and that makes contract talks less than straightforward.

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After all, Al-Ittihad are willing to offer him a phenomenal amount of money. Liverpool are up against that, even if he does hope to sign a new contract.

The Reds, of course, won't want to lose Salah on a free transfer next summer. It means they've set a deadline this summer to get something signed: August 1st.

If nothing is agreed by then, Liverpool will be far more open to selling Salah and bringing in a replacement.

Replacements for Mo Salah

Liverpool supposedly have two players in mind to replace Salah. The first is Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven. He's a player Arne Slot will know well, having come up against him in the Eredivisie.

But the Reds aren't putting all their focus on Bakayoko. Mohammed Kudus, too, is on the shortlist after his impressive debut campaign for West Ham United.

Kudus is someone who has been linked with Liverpool for some time, dating back to his days at Ajax. Depending on the outcome of Salah's talks, they may finally make a move for him.

There's a long way to go, though, both in time and talks. Liverpool will want to keep Salah - there's no question about that - but finding the right deal for a player of his age isn't a routine task.

It promises to be a big summer, with Salah's future just one of a number of questions hanging over the squad.

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