Liverpool transfer news: Salah flattered by interest from giants, van Dijk latest and more, 24th December 2017

Real Madrid express their interest in Mohamed Salah

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have identified Mohamed Salah as their next galactico. After the club's disappointing 3-0 loss at home in the El Clasico, Florentino Perez is reportedly willing to spend a whopping £200 million to try and regain the Los Blancos' lost glory in the Spanish capital.

If the reports are to be believed, the club's prime target will be Salah who has taken the Premier League by storm since joining Liverpool in the summer. The Egyptian became the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush to reach 20 goals for the season before Christmas and continued his goal-scoring form against Arsenal in their last outing.

The Spanish publication claim that Salah will be a like for like replacement for Gareth Bale, who is on the verge of leaving Santiago Bernabeu, and it is rumoured that the winger has already told his agent to try and put a deal in place.

However, it will be highly unlikely that Jurgen Klopp will be willing to let both Philippe Coutinho and Salah leave the club in the same transfer window.

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Liverpool handed boost in Virgil van Dijk race

Liverpool are in the driving seat to land van Dijk

Liverpool have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, according to various reports in England. The Dutchman was ever so close to making the switch to Anfield in the summer but the deal fell through and sparked a few allegations against Liverpool. The Reds were accused of tapping up by Southampton and it seemed like the relationship between the clubs had hit rock bottom.

However, van Dijk has not been able to replicate his form from last season under new manager Mauricio Pellegrino and it is believed that the gaffer will not stand in his way if a reasonable offer is placed on his table. The defender was left out of Southampton's squad for their last two Premier League games and Pellegrino was not hesitant to talk about it after their 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town.

"Virgil, we know there will be a lot of speculation about him and he's an important player but I can't say anything right now. I decided that was best for this moment. This is the reason. I am responsible for picking 11 players, and I intend to pick the best for the team," he commented.

"Van Dijk's future? We have to wait." Liverpool's recent slump at Arsenal further underlined their defensive woes and it is believed that the club are now willing to match the £70 million asking price set by Southampton.

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Ben Woodburn will get loan opportunity

Woodburn seeking a loan opportunity

Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn is attracting serious interest from Championship sides Sunderland and Leeds United, according to the Metro. Jurgen Klopp is reportedly willing to let the 18-year-old go out on loan to get regular playing time under his belt and believes that the competitive nature of England's second division will be the perfect breeding ground for the youngster.

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman, who was previously in charge of the Wales national team, has identified the Welshman as the perfect candidate to help the Black Caps fight their way out of the bottom of the table. Coleman is seeking reinforcements for the injured Duncan Watmore and Woodburn fits the bill perfectly due to their sound relationship.

Leeds United, on the other hand, have also enquired about the availability of the Liverpool starlet but it is believed that Wearside will be his preferred destination due to obvious reasons.