Tuesday, 7th January, 2014
Zenit St. Petersburg are preparing a strong €12m bid for FC Basel star Mohamed Salah but will face the problems of stiff competition and transfer window timing.
According to Izvestia, Zenit will attempt to steal a march on suitors such as Liverpool, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich with their bid.
mobile ad
Salah is rated at €20m by Basel, though it is believed his followers are taking that figure with a pinch of salt.
The Egypt international has already outlined desires to play for Manchester United, Real Madrid or Chelsea, though it is not clear if any of the trio is considering a bid.
relatedNewsStory
Salah's agent Sascha Empacher was quoted as saying: "Mohamed is showing high efficiency in the Swiss championship and in European competition, so there is really heightened interest.
"Clubs from England, Russia and Germany are closely watching the development of his career.
"So far, I see no reason to reveal these names. The transfer window is not open, and we cannot conduct formal negotiations. We have to wait very long."
Indeed, the Russian Premier League's transfer window will not open until 28th January, which will be a significant disadvantage for Zenit as compared to their European rivals.
Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be in line for Salah, who has scored 20 goals in 79 games so far for Basel.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
