Liverpool hover for exciting Juventus attacker in case deal falls through

Juventus stars Paolo Dybala and Federico Chiesa celebrating a pre-season goal 2021

Liverpool retain a glimmer of hope that Paulo Dybala will snub a new contract with Juventus and join them instead, according to reports.

Dybala is approaching the final six months of his contract with Juventus. He has played for the Serie A side since joining them from Palermo in 2015. The Argentina international is highly rated and has often been linked with a move elsewhere.

The Premier League could be a possible destination. However, Dybala has stayed put in Turin until now. But unless he renews his contract, a change of scenery could be on the cards.

According to Calciomercato, Dybala is now close to committing his future to Juventus. If he does not, though, he could be an option for Liverpool on a free transfer.

Dybala will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside Italy from New Year’s Day. Of course, he may have signed his extension with Juventus by then, ruling such an option out.

But if he has not, then Liverpool could try their luck at convincing him to move to Anfield.

Dybala is in the prime years of his career at the age of 28. He would be an exciting option for Liverpool as they look to evolve their attack.

Jurgen Klopp has favoured a front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane so far this season. The fact that Jota has seemingly overtaken Roberto Firmino in the hierarchy (although the Brazilian has had some injury issues) is a sign of the transition that could be taking place up front.

And with doubts over Salah’s contract situation – his terms expire in 2023 – reports continue to link Liverpool with names that could replenish their attack.

Klopp to stand firm with Liverpool team for AC Milan

Klopp to stand firm with Liverpool team for AC Milan

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to make a raft of changes for Tuesday’s Champions League clash away at AC Milan.

Even if Salah stays, both he and Mane will be on African Cup of Nations duty in the winter. Therefore, Klopp won’t be able to call on two key options.

It may leave him light in a key department, showing why depth is necessary. Perhaps the only way to ensure it is there would be by bringing in new players.

Whether Dybala would be able to arrive in January is debatable – especially if Juve are as close to securing his services for the long-term as Calciomercato believe.

But if Liverpool can find a way to snap him up, he would inject new life into their forward line.

Klopp sends Salah contract message

Mo Salah Liverpool

Meanwhile, a more pressing issue for Liverpool to focus on is Salah’s own contract with them.

The Egypt international is currently one of the most in-form players on the planet. As such, several European giants would want to sign him if Liverpool don’t give him the salary he deserves.

Salah has welcomed interest from other clubs but insists his priority is to stay with Liverpool. In doing so, though, he admitted there were other factors.

Klopp was asked about the situation with Salah on Monday. The manager said: “You know exactly what it’s about and we are talking.

“Extending the contract of a player like Mo is not something you do where you meet for a cup of tea in the afternoon and find an agreement.

“There’s really nothing else to say about Mo. He speaks about it when he gets asked about it. I can only say a few things because the rest is not for the public obviously.

“Mo is fine. I’m fine. I think what we all want is clear and things like this need time. That’s it.”

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