Liverpool 'identify Real Madrid's Rodrygo as Mohamed Salah replacement'

Liverpool reportedly view Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo as the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah.

The Reds managed to resist Saudi Arabian interest in Salah during the summer transfer window, but there is a feeling that the Egypt international could be enticed to the Saudi Pro League in 2024.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool are currently identifying possible replacements for Salah and view Rodrygo as a leading target, with Real Madrid potentially open to a sale.

Karim Benzema's departure over the summer has seen Rodrygo become an undisputed starter this season, and he has managed one goal in five La Liga appearances.

The Brazil international made the move to Bernabeu from Santos in July 2019, and he has represented the Spanish giants on 170 occasions in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and registering 32 assists in the process.

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Rodrygo only has a contract with Real Madrid until the summer of 2025, and it is believed that the Spanish club could be open to letting him leave for the right price.

Vinicius Junior is unsellable, while Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to arrive at Bernabeu next year from Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid will also be in the market for a new number nine in the near future, and Rodrygo is a player in the squad capable of raising a healthy amount of money if he is placed on the market.

The report claims that Liverpool would have to come up with an offer in excess of €100m (£86.5m) for the South American, having proved himself at the highest level since moving to European football.

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Al-Ittihad are thought to have made a series of large offers for Salah over the summer, but Liverpool made it clear that they were not willing to let the attacker leave.

The 31-year-old has again been in strong form for Jurgen Klopp's side at the start of this season, scoring twice and providing four assists in five Premier League appearances.

Salah will only have 12 months left to run on his contract next summer, though, and Al-Ittihad are thought to be confident of securing his services in 2024.

Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are also options for Liverpool in the final third of the field.

The Merseyside outfit would likely need to qualify for the 2024-25 Champions League to stand a chance of signing Rodrygo, who is not believed to have any desire to leave Real Madrid at this moment in time.