Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah dispute and urgent talks as Man Utd fight Reds for transfer

Liverpool will be hoping their win over Real Madrid is a sign that the Reds are beginning to get back on track, but the club could be set for a long period without Mohamed Salah

Liverpool will be hoping their thrilling victory over Real Madrid signals a return to the Premier League champions’ brilliant best.

Arne Slot’s team halted their losing streak in the league against Aston Villa at the weekend, and then made a bold statement with a win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Reds seem to be turning things around after a dismal spell, and would have been relieved to see Mohamed Salah find the back of the net in consecutive league matches.

However, Liverpool may have to prepare for life without their star player in the coming weeks. Slot’s attention will be on ensuring Liverpool continue their winning run in a pivotal match away at Manchester City this Sunday. Meanwhile, those behind the scenes will be working on shaping the club’s transfer strategy.

Liverpool have already been associated with several players ahead of the January transfer window. However, it’s reported the Reds are in direct competition with arch-rivals Manchester United for one specific target. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.

Mohamed Salah dispute

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is due for crucial discussions with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan during the forthcoming international break later this month, reports the Mirror.

The Reds’ forward could find himself in the midst of another club versus country dispute, as Egypt have planned a training camp ahead of matches against the United Arab Emirates (December 6), Jordan (December 9) and Nigeria (December 14) in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.

During the same period, Liverpool are slated to play Leeds away, followed by a Champions League clash with Inter Milan and a home match against Brighton.

According to the Daily Mail, Salah would rather represent the Reds before joining the Egypt squad at a later date, in time for the Africa Cup of Nations.

A similar scenario unfolded two years ago, with Liverpool managing to retain Salah. However, the 33-year-old will be keen to avoid any controversy, as both Egypt and Liverpool need to reach an agreement on when he will be released for AFCON.

The tournament is set to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. If it’s agreed Salah can join the squad after the Brighton match, he could potentially miss up to eight Liverpool games across all competitions, should Egypt make it to the final.

Liverpool in transfer tussle with Manchester United

Liverpool are reportedly vying with Manchester United for the signature of Hertha Berlin’s young talent Kennet Eichhorn.

The 16-year-old defensive midfielder is making waves at the start of his breakout season, having made six starts in the German second tier.

German outlet Bild has revealed Hertha have slapped a £17million price tag on the teenager, who penned fresh terms during the summer. But Liverpool are set to face stiff competition for the youngster’s services, with United also circling.

It’s understood talent spotters from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG and numerous other top clubs have been monitoring Eichhorn closely. Despite his young age, Eichhorn, who has drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos, is proving he belongs in Hertha’s engine room.

“He is an incredible, exceptional talent,” Hertha’s Fabian Reese said following Eichhorn’s debut. “If he continues like this, all doors will be open to him. I have rarely seen anyone so talented at that age. He has a huge career ahead of him.”

Boss Stefan Leitl commented: “I couldn’t care less whether he’s 16 or 17. He’s a huge talent for Hertha. In many of his actions, you could see what we might be seeing from him in the coming years. I’m completely convinced of his abilities; he did a great job.”