Liverpool are now ready to go all out to sign an impressive midfield sensation ahead of Newcastle United, according to recent reports.
Salah set for Liverpool return
Depending on how he feels about Mohamed Salah these days, it's good news for Arne Slot that he's set to get the Egyptian back at Anfield after he crashed out of the semi-final stage at AFCON. Coming courtesy of former teammate Sadio Mane, Salah's Egypt side missed out on a place in the final, losing 1-0 on the night.
Whilst it's heartbreak for Salah, it may well be relief for some at Anfield. Conor Bradley's recent injury means that Jeremie Frimpong will likely have to move to his natural right-back role, which would have left a gaping hole at right-wing had Salah not been on his way back.
Slot will be hoping that the Egyptian returns ready to move on from his previous outburst, as seemed to be the case just before he left for AFCON, and return to his most clinical form.
It goes without saying that an in-form Salah would fix many of Liverpool's recent attacking problems. Without him, they've looked overly cautious and anxious - everything that their star man is not.
Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah
Whether the 33-year-old will be back in time to face Burnley is now the big question. It would offer him quite the chance to remind Anfield why his name is cemented in Liverpool's record books if he is ready in time.
With Salah back to solve their attacking problems, the Reds can also turn their focus back towards other areas of concern, including in their backline and in midfield.
That could see them pursue targets such as Marc Guehi and even young midfield sensation Kees Smit.
Liverpool set to enter Kees Smit bidding war
According to The Daily Star, Liverpool are now ready to go all out to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit. FSG are allegedly set to enter a bidding war with Real Madrid and Newcastle in the summer.
Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley Related
Liverpool star Conor Bradley speaks out for first time since injury vs Arsenal
The Northern Ireland international faces a race against time to make the World Cup.
The 19-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent campaign at AZ and now finds himself on the radar of some of Europe's top clubs.
The deal won't come cheap, given that Alkmaar value the Dutchman at more than €50m (£43m), but Liverpool should not hesitate to spend big for the second consecutive summer. He's a talent that they should be desperate to sign.
Como scout Ben Mattinson went as far as to describe Smit as a "powerful ball carrier" and a "dominant athlete" last summer. Now, he could get the chance to prove those traits at the very top level in the Premier League and at Anfield.