Liverpool intend to block Mohamed Salah from joining Egypt's Olympics squad.

Liverpool's season starts on August 14 away at Newcastle, and Salah would face a struggle to be fit for the opener should Egypt go far in Japan - with the competition set to run from July 22 to August 7.

The Reds will also be concerned they could lose their top marksman in January for the African Cup of Nations, reports the Athletic.

As such, the club will deny their talisman permission to depart, with Jurgen Klopp keen for the player to get a full pre-season under his belt.

Egypt had been eager to name Salah in their travelling group as one of two overage players, and the country's FA President Ahmed Megahed had admitted it would be "difficult" to get Liverpool's approval.