rewrite this title Mohamed Salah in talks with European giant over Liverpool exit

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is in discussions with Barcelona as he keeps his future options open, according to a report in Spain.

The prolific winger is now into the final three months of his Liverpool contract. Salah openly insists that there has been no progress in talks with the Merseyside giants about an extension, opening the door for a glut of other clubs to enquire about a free transfer this summer.

Barcelona have been a long-running suitor, especially given the lack of upfront fee required for a free agent. SPORT claim that Salah has “offered himself” to the Catalan giants, reigniting discussions which cooled at the end of last year after Barcelona failed to meet the player’s lofty wage demands.

Several months later, Salah has reportedly instigated new talks although it remains to be seen whether the La Liga leaders can cobble together a financial package to entice the 32-year-old. Barcelona are not thought to be able to match Salah’s current salary of around £290,000 per week.

The report also reiterates Al Hilal’s potent interest in the Egypt international. Jorge Jesus, manager of the Saudi Pro League champions, publicly revealed his desire to complete a deal for Salah. After offloading Neymar and his exorbitant wages, Al Hilal would be willing to offer their new star an annual salary of €50m (which is the equivalent of more than £810,000 per week).

Some outlets suggest that Salah’s sole focus remains staying at Liverpool. The forward’s contractual uncertainty hasn’t impacted his output, which has seen him topple countless records this season.

Salah wasn’t able to help Liverpool find a way past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16, failing to score or create an assist while registering just one shot on target across the two legs. The 2019 Champions League winner has previously revealed that he is prioritising Premier League glory above continental success this season, but was still spotted in tears after Liverpool’s penalty shootout defeat.

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