Liverpool's contractual stand-off with Mohamed Salah could be about to end, thanks to the provision of a highly lucrative signing-on fee.
Thus far, both parties have failed to thrash out a contract extension, with the forward's current deal coming to an end in 2023.
Liverpool's attempts to tie Salah down reportedly hit a roadblock in recent months, with their star man wishing to earn upwards of £500k per week - according to some outlets.
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Paying one player such a high weekly salary would shatter the club's current wage structure, and would put yet more financial stress on the owners after a COVID-hit couple of seasons.
In a bid to circumvent this issue, while also keeping hold of the Egyptian superstar, Liverpool may instead offer Salah an extremely lucrative signing-on fee as something of a makeweight.
That claim comes from TeamTalk, who also suggests that the player isn't asking for £500k per week in order to stay, as some have suggested.
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With the club's hierarchy thought to be fearful of a drop-off in form when the 29-year-old reaches his 30s, a generous signing-on fee could be a clever way for The Reds to reward him for his recent efforts - while also not overextending themselves long-term.
Publically, both sides have shown a desire to reach a resolution, most notably Salah, who recently spoke about his great affection for Liverpool.
Before Jurgen Klopp's side's 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United, Salah was asked by Sky Sports if he wants to stay on Merseyside.
"It doesn't depend on me, but if you asked me I would love to stay until the last day of my football [career]." Salah asserted.
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"I can't say much about that, it's not in my hands. It depends on what the club wants."
"It doesn't depend on me. At the moment, I can't see myself ever playing against Liverpool. That would make me sad.
"It's hard. I don't want to talk about it, but it would make me really sad and at the moment I don't see myself playing against Liverpool, but let's see what will happen in the future."
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah