Liverpool choose 'number one target' to replace Mo Salah as alternatives emerge

Liverpool have identified their number one target to replace Mohamed Salah, it has been reported - and have up to three alternative options.

Salah announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, nine years after he joined the club from Roma.

The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract extension last year, but will leave Liverpool as a free agent only one season into that deal.

In a statement posted to social media, Salah said: "Unfortunately, the day has come. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season.

"I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people, would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit. I can't explain the word to anyone not part of this club.

"We celebrated victories, we won the most important trophies, and we fought together through the hardest time in our lives.

"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially my team-mates past and present.

"And to the fans, I don't have enough words for the support you showed me through the best time of my career. You stood by me through the toughest time, which is something I'll never forget and I'll take with me always.

"I will always be one of you. This club will always be my home, to me and my family.

"Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."

Liverpool choose Mo Salah replacement

According to reports, Liverpool have already begun the process of searching for Salah's replacement ahead of the summer transfer window.

And the Reds have already identified Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as their key target.

Bild claim that Liverpool would be willing to spend €200 million and smash the British transfer record to sign the Frenchman, who comfortably leads the way for assists across Europe's top five divisions this season.

Along his 23 assists, Olise has also netted 15 goals, making him one of the most sought-after players in European football.

Bayern, though, have no intention of selling the 24-year-old, who played for Reading and Crystal Palace before moving to Germany.

That is why, according to French outlet RMC Sport, Liverpool have identified Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao as an alternative for Olise.

The son of former Porto and AC Milan boss Sergio Conceicao, the 23-year-old has collected 13 caps for Portugal and could represent them at this summer's World Cup.

He has four goals and three assists to his name this season for Juve, but is among the Serie A league leaders for dribbles completed, which is one of his main strengths.

Tuttomercatoweb note that Liverpool will turn to Conceicao if they cannot land their 'number one target' in Olise.

Liverpool are also said to be looking at revisiting last summer's interest in PSG and France winger Bradley Barcola.

However, the Reds were reportedly quoted an asking price of €100 million (£86.5m) in a window where they splashed out on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined fee of over £215 million.

Barcola struggled for form around the turn of the year, but has since scored five goals in his last six games in all competitions.

And 19-year-old Yan Diomande, who is enjoying a breakthrough season with RB Leipzig, is also being considered, though there is rival interest in the Ivorian's services from Bayern Munich and Manchester United among others.