£200m not enough to land Anfield icon Salah

LIVERPOOL will make Mohamed Salah the key man in their new era and robustly turn away any renewed interest from Real Madrid. Salah has four years remaining on the £90,000per-week deal he signed when he arrived from Roma last summer, but Liverpool are reviewing his terms and have a strong relationship with his agent Ramy Abbas. Madrid’s interest in the PFA Player of the Year became clear last December, when boss Zinedine Zidane spoke about him at the Club World Cup. At that time, his value was close to £100million, but a potential fee would now be closer to £200m. After scoring 43 goals this season, Salah, 25, has become

From Back Page

one of the biggest stars in world football. But Liverpool made it clear in March that they would not consider any approaches for Salah and his remarkable form has strengthened their resolve. Liverpool are also committed to agreeing a new deal with Roberto Firmino who, like Salah, scored twice in the 5-2 semi-final, firstleg

victory over the Italians. Madrid are planning a summer overhaul of their squad, but the fact Salah has no buy-out clause complicates their pursuit. A move for the Egyptian winger would also affect Madrid’s transfer market priority — signing Neymar, who seems unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, fears are growing over the safety of Liverpool fans

heading to Rome for next week’s second leg. Around 5,000 with tickets — and thousands without — are expected to travel next Wednesday However, the notorious reputation of Roma’s ultras and shocking scenes before Tuesday’s game at Anfield have sparked concerns. Liverpool fan Sean Cox, 53, was left in a critical condition after being hit with a belt by Roma

thugs and suffering a head injury. Two men from Rome, aged 20 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will miss the World Cup after injuring his right knee against Roma, sent his best wishes. ‘My misfortune pales in comparison to how Sean’s family must feel right now,’ he said. ‘My thoughts are with them.’