Liverpool face ‘Salah problem’ over Michael Olise signing

Liverpool are heading into a busy transfer window this summer, with new manager Arne Slaughter keen to add some new signings to a side that finished third in the Premier League last season.

The Reds have named Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and PSV Eindhoven’s Jean-Timothée Bakayoko on their shortlist of potential signings, according to Football Transfers .

Mohamed Salah is 32 and they need a long-term successor, so bringing in a right-winger is likely to be high on the club’s agenda. The Egyptian has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent months, but he is likely to stay at Anfield for the final year of his contract.

Football Transfers adds that Liverpool are trying to operate “under the radar” this summer as they hope it will help them cope with competition in the transfer market.

As the Reds search for Mohamed Salah’s successor, there could be major hurdles in trying to complete a deal for Olise.

Salah shuts out Olis, making him a regular

Mohamed Salah’s presence in Liverpool’s squad could see Aulis continue in a secondary role for at least next year, something the France Under-21 winger may not be interested in.

The deal is said to be “difficult” due to Olise’s “level of playing time” next season. Not only that, Liverpool also faces fierce competition for Crystal Palace stars.

Chelsea tried to sign Olise last summer but were rebuffed as the striker signed a new contract at Selhurst Park with a release clause of £60m.

The Blues are likely to revive their interest in him this year and “could offer Olis the chance to stay in London”, which could be a deciding factor in which club the young striker chooses next.

Manchester United are also keen on signing him and have an advantage as he is a boyhood United fan, but they are currently prioritizing forwards over wingers.

Newcastle United are also considered rivals for the 22-year-old, but Ollis is unlikely to welcome the chance of a move to the north-east of England.

Liverpool are by no means excluded from the race for Olise, but he will need to make a compelling enough pitch for his role in the team to put himself in the driver’s seat.

They have one advantage over Chelsea and Manchester United – Champions League qualification – and the Crystal Palace star has been described as “optimistic” about joining a club competing in Europe’s top competition.

Any move for Olise would cost £60m as his next club would need to activate his release clause at Crystal Palace, with the Eagles unwilling to negotiate for a lower fee.