Atletico Madrid linked with shock move for Egyptian ace

Atletico Madrid are reportedly plotting a shock approach for Mohamed Salah during the winter transfer window. The Egypt international joined Premier League club Liverpool from AS Roma in the summer, and he has since contributed 11 goals in just 15 outings for the Merseyside outfit (ESPN).

According to Gol Digital, the attacker’s sparkling form has caught the eye of Diego Simeone, who is desperate to bring a new forward to his ranks. Atleti’s transfer ban is due to conclude at the turn of the year, and Simeone is keen on signing a fresh attacker in addition to Diego Costa.

As per the source, the Capital outfit are prepared to pay as much as £48m in order to lure Liverpool into selling their attacker. The report goes on to suggest that Simeone could offer Carrasco in a part-exchange deal in order to push through the move in January.

Despite the speculation, Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to entertain the thought of selling Salah, who has become a fan favourite in a short period of time. The former Chelsea flop has become a regular on the right side of the attack, and he could have added more goals to his tally, had he been better with his finishing.

Atleti have endured a mixed start to their La Liga campaign with draws costing them valuable points in recent weeks. The Madrid-based club have secured six draws in the first 11 matches of the season, and this sees them eight points adrift of Barcelona, who are cruising at the top of the table.

Both Costa and Vitolo will add the necessary depth in the forward and midfield department respectively in the New Year, but they could, by then, be plying their trade in Europa League owing to their lacklustre European performance to date.

Atletico have accumulated just three points in four Champions League outings this term, and they are on course to play in Europe’s second competition next year unless Qarabag help them out with a surprise result against one of Chelsea or AS Roma.

Image – Getty