Salah behind ‘doomed’ pursuit of Roma’s Alisson

LIVERPOOL are reportedly doomed in their pursuit of Roma star Alisson because of last year’s bargain deal with the Italian club over Mohamed Salah. Liverpool were already in the market for a goalkeeper, but Loris Karius’ two glaring errors performance has led to the club putting extra emphasis on the search.

And Roma No.1 Alisson is their top target – who has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Serie A side. It is the same club the Reds raided last summer in their acquisition of Salah, who won the PFA Player of the Year award in his first season on Merseyside.

But the manner of their transfer pursuit of the former Chelsea winger has still left a fractuous relationship, according to the Times.

Roma were struggling with Financial Fair Play regulations and needed to sell in order to comply and the Reds took full advantage of that by signing their star man Salah for a cutthroat price.

The 25-year-old joined for £37m – but his value has grown to £135m, according to Transfermarkt and the transfer has left a sour taste in Roma’s mouths, with the Italian outfit prepared to deny any bids for the Brazil international.

The Times go on to report that if negotiations were to begin, they would impose a ‘Salah tax’ where they add on what they believe Salah should have cost last season. A bid of around £80m is expected to be Roma’s starting price. – Daily Star