Liverpool Remain Mohamed Salah's First Choice Despite January Delay

Mohamed Salah hopes to complete a move to Liverpool in January but could see those plans threatened by Basel's determination to retain the winger until the summer in addition to keen interest from a host of other European clubs.

The 21-year-old has become in one of the most sought after players during the winter transfer window after his impressive performances against Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League where he scored twice as his team beat the Blues home and away.

IBTimes UK understands that Liverpool are still the favourites to sign the Egyptian this January with the player keen on a move to England. However, a host of European teams are still hoping to secure his services, including one unnamed Premier League side.

A source close to the player confirmed to IBTimes UK that negotiations are still ongoing and urged Liverpool to act quickly as Basel are prepared to sell the player to whoever makes the best offer.

"Liverpool is Salah's first choice but there is another English giant and two other big European clubs interested in his signing. For sure the player is going to leave Basel but we do not know if it is going to be now or next summer. This week is going to be crucial."

With another Premier League side monitoring the situation, Borussia Dortmund have also reportedly approached the 21-year-old, interest that will heighten should Marco Reus leave the club. Atletico Madrid and Monaco are also interested in the player but they are understood to prefer waiting until summer rather than launching imminent bids.

Liverpool officials opened discussions with Basel last month and despite negotiations stalling they have intensified their efforts again this week.

But the Reds are faced with a problem as the Swiss champions are unwilling to part ways with the player in January. The club want to keep Salah until the end of the season and have even offered Rodgers' side the chance to close the deal now and leave the player on loan at his current club until the summer.

However, the Liverpool boss is looking to strengthen his attacking options immediately and will launch an effort to convince the Swiss champions into doing business this week.

Despite recent reports claiming that Liverpool were set to offer £8m for the Egypt international, IBTimes UK understands that Basel value the player at more than £12m and are unlikely to negotiate a cut price deal, as the player does not have any release clause in his current contract, which has two years remaining.