Saudi Pro League remains intent on signing Mohamed Salah from Liverpool for Al Ittihad; Jurgen Klopp would have only until 11pm tonight to sign a replacement before transfer window shuts until January; Liverpool are unwilling to sell their talisman.
Al Ittihad have not ruled out going back in with an improved offer despite an initial bid of £100m – rising to £150m – being turned down earlier on Deadline Day.
Liverpool are still adamant Salah is not for sale, but one source has told Sky Sports News the Saudi club are getting encouragement in “certain quarters” a deal can still be done.
While Al Ittihad feel they have that encouragement, they will try again.
Asked about the prospect of Salah leaving on Friday, Jurgen Klopp said: “The position remains the same, absolutely. No doubt about that. We cannot [sell Salah]. That’s how it is. Nothing else to say.”
While the Premier League’s transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday night, Saudi Pro League clubs can make signings for almost another week with their transfer window closing on September 7.
Al Ittihad are willing to pay Salah £1.5m per week and are hoping to test his commitment to Liverpool, despite his agent Ramy Abbas ruling out a move earlier this month.
The club and the Saudi Pro League are aware Liverpool will refuse to budge on their stance that the Egypt forward is not for sale.
The figures being mentioned have clearly not softened that position.
The 31-year-old has been nothing but professional through the noise over this situation thus far.
