Al-Ittihad are counting on Liverpool flopping in the first-half of the season.

After being frustrated in their summer bid for Mohamed Salah, where even a world record offer of £215m wasn't enough for the Reds, Al-Ittihad want to try again in January.

The Mirror says the Saudis feel their chances will be strengthened if Liverpool find themselves out of the title race in the New Year.

Al-Ittihad believe they'll be more receptive to selling if they're title chances are over.

Personal terms have already been discussed. Saudi chiefs were prepared to pay Salah a staggering £1.5m a week to bring him to the Saudi Pro League.