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Mohamed Salah claim made by Italian journalist over possible Liverpool to Real Madrid deal
MOHAMED SALAH is wanted by Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane - but the Spanish giants must fork out £156million to meet Liverpool's asking price.
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That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira.
Salah has cemented his standing as one of the most potent goalscorers in Europe this season with 23 goals in 46 appearances.
That has succeeded an incredible debut campaign for Liverpool which featured 44 strikes in 52 games - and his performances have now sparked the interest of Real Madrid.
Zidane was re-appointed Los Blancos boss in March - 10 months after resigning from the role - and has been promised funds to kickstart a new era at the Bernabeu.
The French tactician wants Salah to be a part of that, according to the Italian journalist Schira.
"Zinedine Zidane wants Mohamed Salah to reinforce his Real Madrid attack," the transfer market specialist tweeted.
"Juventus are also working on the Egyptian, but Liverpool value the player at €180m (£156m)."
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It also stated the forward is willing to hand in a transfer request in order to force a move.
Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, responded to the report on Twitter soon after its publication.
"Talking out of their AS again I see," he said.
Zidane has not messed around in the transfer market so far, already signing Porto centre-back Eder Militao, 21, and Santos forward Rodrygo Goes, 18.
Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard longs for a move to Real Madrid and would prove a cheaper option, with the Blues holding out for a fee of £100m.