LIVERPOOL are reportedly edging closer to signing Kylian Mbappe as the tension between Mo Salah and Jurgen Klopp rises.
The Reds are thought to be Real Madrid’s main challenger in the bid to sign the PSG superstar.
Kylian Mbappe could be heading to LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mo Salah was unimpressed after being hooked by Jurgen Klopp against ChelseaCredit: Reuters
And AS reports that after Anfield boss Klopp hooked Salah in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in midweek, a move could be accelerated.
The report states that with Liverpool on the slide after suffering five back to back defeats at home for the first time in their history, things have escalated between the German boss and his Egyptian star.
Klopp subbed Salah in the 61st minute – the earliest he has been replaced since September 2017 – which was clearly to the 28-year-old ace’s distaste.
The manager was overheard telling his attacking star to track back before hauling him off.
After the game he explained the decision and said: “I thought he didn’t look fresh any more. The last two or three years have nothing to do with that.”
And his agent stirred the pot further by posting a cryptic tweet with just a full stop.
But Klopp has been quick to quash talk of a rift by saying there are ‘no problems’ between the two and questioning whether there was a reason for a ‘proper talk’ about it.
If Salah leaves then the report states Liverpool will be in the prime economic position to snare French World Cup winner Mbappe, 22.
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The former Roma man refused to shut down talk he could one day play for Real Madrid or Barcelona last year – opening the door to a move to one of the El Clasico sides.
The Reds are set to recoup a huge fee for Salah with his market value at over £100million, according to Transfermarkt.
The departure would allow Mbappe to take his place in the starting XI and also become the club talisman and figurehead on Merseyside.
Madrid are said to be conscious of Liverpool’s position and hope to sway Mbappe – who had posters of the Galacticos on his bedroom wall as a youngster – with the promise he will spearhead the side for the next decade.
But the Spanish giants have fared worse financially amid the coronavirus pandemic compared to the reigning Premier League champions.
Plus, Liverpool have a secret weapon in negotiations: basketball icon LeBron James.
The La Lakers hero is an Anfield shareholder and reportedly has a great relationship with Mbappe.
The two have starred in advertising campaigns together and after a number of meetings the American could help convince his fellow sporting great to sign for the club.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts to subbing Mo Salah
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
