Liverpool tipped for transfer battle with Man Utd and Man City for $81M World Cup star

Liverpool is going to be linked with a lot of wingers ahead of the summer departure of Mohamed Salah, with the Reds being tipped for a battle with Man Utd and Man City

Rafael Leao celebrates with Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, and their Portugal teammates.(Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

With Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool this summer, Arne Slot's side will need a replacement. Some more pace and an injection of fresh quality in the final third is vital.

As a result, a variety of wide forwards are likely to be linked with transfer moves to Anfield over the next few weeks, with AC Milan's Rafael Leao the latest name to emerge as a supposed contender.

Portugal forward Leao, now 26, has scored 10 goals this season, and the Serie A side could be willing to cash in when the summer comes. If that is the case, there will be no shortage of suitors.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Real Madrid are all watching Leao ahead of a potential move. PSG was linked with a swoop last summer too.

AC Milan may need to raise funds to revamp its roster this summer, with Leao a prime candidate. It is suggested that he could be allowed to move for a fee of around $81 million (£60 million).

While that fee might rule Barcelona out of the running, it would not be an issue for the top Premier League clubs. With two years left on his contract, this might be the time to move.

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.(Image: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Liverpool is thought to be among a number of clubs looking at RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga after moving from Leganes last year.

It has also been linked with Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon, alongside Bayern Munich.

Salah, meanwhile, is still considering his next move. And Juventus chief sporting director Marco Ottolini has insisted that the Turin giant has not been in touch with the Egyptian, despite some speculation emerging this week.

"What is being said about negotiations for Mohamed Salah is not true," Ottolini is quoted as telling 365Scores. "At the moment, there is absolutely nothing regarding that."

When Salah confirmed during the March international break that he was leaving a year before his Liverpool contract expires, his representative, Ramy Abbas, immediately made public that no decision had been made yet on where he would head next.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League retain an interest in Salah, while he would also have options in MLS. A move elsewhere in the Premier League can be ruled out, but teams in Spain and France could may also be contenders.

Liverpool.com says: Leao is a talented player but he is far from the only option set to be on the market this summer. Liverpool needs to add more quality in the final third, whichever option it goes for.