Liverpool star, Mo Salah ’emerges as Barcelona’s top alternative to Erling Haaland this summer amid his contract stand-off at Anfield

The Egypt international’s contract is set to expire in 2023 and, despite the Red’s efforts to tie him down to a new deal, the club and player have yet to reach an agreement.

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Haaland remains the primary target for the Catalan giants, but they have made a shortlist of alternatives should that fall through, according to Spanish reports.

Mundo Deportivo has reported that if a potential deal for Manchester City target Haaland falls through, Salah is the next in line, along with the likes of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea target man Romelu Lukaku.

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Polish international Lewandowksi’s contract like Salah’s will expire in 2023 while Lukaku only just returned to the Blues last summer in a £97million deal, but his future remains unclear amid a below-par campaign.

Chelsea’s future also remains very unclear following sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich and new owners sure to come in ahead of the summer transfer window, with the preferred bidders now being shortlisted.

Although Salah is not a center-forward, Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be fixated on using the Liverpool star as his Nou Camp No 9.

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The Reds bought Salah from Roma in 2017 for £43m and the Egyptian has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the world.

Salah has won the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, and Carabao Cup during his time at Anfield. He has bagged the Golden Boot twice and amid his most prolific season – with a tally of 20 Premier League goals so far – he looks set to add a third to his collection.