Liverpool put on red alert as £69m target 'not part of plans' and could replace Mo Salah

Liverpool’s hierarchy have reportedly been put on red alert after it emerged Federico Chiesa could be sold this summer.

The Merseyside outfit have been long-term admirers of Chiesa, with Juventus rumoured to be looking elsewhere.

According to Sky Sport in Italy, incoming Juventus manager Thiago Motta doesn’t currently have Chiesa in his plans for next season.

And given Chiesa has one year left on his existing deal, this summer could present the opportune moment for Juventus to cash in.

The report claims clubs in Italy have registered early interest in the forward’s services.

But, Liverpool could be sparked into life, should the possibility of signing Chiesa this summer present itself.

It was reported back in December that Liverpool would be open to bringing Chiesa to Anfield, with the Reds admirers of his dynamic play style.

What’s more, following the uncertainty around talisman Mohamed Salah’s future, Chiesa could prove the perfect replacement for the Egyptian forward.

In 131 appearances for the Old Lady, Chiesa has registered an impressive 55 contributions, demonstrating he’d be able to plug the goal gap left behind if Salah departs.

However, the Euro 2020 winner is unlikely to come cheap, with talk a move could cost as much as £69million.

It would likely leave a major dent in Liverpool’s summer transfer kitty, meaning they could have to recoup funds from elsewhere.

That may come from selling players who are expected to be on the fringes of Arne Slot’s side, with Sepp van den Berg one man who could be let go.

The 22-year-old recently hit out at Liverpool’s handling of him, hinting that a permanent transfer away from the club could be on the cards.

Van den Berg told Dutch media: “I knew that I couldn’t get from PEC Zwolle [straight] to Liverpool’s first team. I could have been at Liverpool for one or two more years, but I wanted to play with all my might. I demanded to be [loaned] out.

“Just the whole [first] season. On the one hand, that was great. Yes, how does that work, you’re 17, 18 years old, you’re central to the defence in training against the starting XI, you have to build up and then Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah come running towards you.

“It was tough, but I enjoyed it. But in all honesty, I wasn’t looked after anymore.

“Every time, because I felt that I was getting better and better. I also made great strides physically.”

He added: “I also felt ‘ready’ [in 2021]. I had a good conversation with the management. He said he had received good reports. I understood that I wasn’t going to play (with Virgil) Van Dijk, (Joel) Matip or (Ibrahima) Konate out (the team).

“But I thought I could be right behind it. When I didn’t get a chance again, I said: ‘Figure it out, I want to leave.'”