The Saudi Pro League are reportedly still working on a move for Mohamed Salah, with Al-Ittihad the favourites to secure what would be a big-money deal for the Liverpool attacker.
The 31-year-old's future at Anfield is being called into question in the final stages of the transfer window.
Salah has another two years left to run on his contract, and the Egypt international's agent said earlier this month that his client was not interested in a departure this summer.
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has also played down claims that the forward could be on the move before the end of the transfer window.
However, a recent report claimed that Al-Ittihad are preparing a £129m offer for Salah, who is understood to be considering a switch to Saudi Arabia, where he could become the highest-paid footballer in the world.
© Reuters
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Saudi Pro League transfer window does not close until September 7, but Liverpool would only be able to sign a replacement before Friday's 11pm deadline.
The Reds allegedly have no intention to let Salah leave at this stage of the window, but the Egyptian could attempt to force a move to Saudi Arabia.
The forward has scored once and provided two assists in three Premier League appearances in the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign.
Salah was also in strong form for Liverpool last season despite the team's struggles, netting 30 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions, in addition to registering 16 assists.
© Reuters
The Egyptian made the move to Anfield from Roma in 2017, and he has represented the Reds on 308 occasions in all competitions, scoring 187 goals and registering 81 assists in the process.
Salah has also won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League, Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time on Merseyside.
Al-Ittihad, who are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, are managed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Tigers have won all four of their league games at the start of the new season to top the table, while a standout transfer window has seen them bring in the likes of Fabinho, N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Jota.
All three of Liverpool's signings this summer have been midfielders, and it is understood that the club are currently working on a deal for Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch.
Matt Law
