Brendan Rodgers has not given up on signing FC Basel star, despite Chelsea announcement.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has not given up hope of signing FC Basel youngster Mohamed Salah – even though Chelsea announced a deal to sign the winger yesterday.
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Rodgers has long been credited with an interest in signing Salah – dubbed the ‘Egyptian Messi’ – and Liverpool appeared to be closing in on a deal, before Chelsea swooped for a replacement for the departing Juan Mata.
Despite Chelsea’s announcement that Salah would move to Stamford Bridge subject to agreeing personal terms and completing a medical, Rodgers has not given up hope of landing the 21-year-old.
“I’m not sure whether that deal is definitely done yet or not,” Rodgers told talkSPORT.
“The young guy is a good player. We have tracked him for a number of months, the club has been watching him and I have been to watch him.
“It is one where the agent of the player and the clubs were talking but if the deal can’t be done, the deal can’t be done. I know the club has been working very hard to get players in. I’ll leave that to them and see how they get on.”
Whatever happens, Rodgers insisted Salah is a huge talent and highlighted his performances against Chelsea and Tottenham in recent Europa League and Champions League matches.
“He’s a boy that is a talent,” said Rodgers.
“He is 21 years of age and people saw his qualities in the games against Chelsea and Tottenham in Europe, but you need to have that list because if it doesn’t work out then you are hoping there are one or two others.
“It is a very difficult market. It is hard to bring in players that can improve the team, especially in this window. I’d rather wait and look at our young players than bring in one or two squad players.”
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