Liverpool had a B-list of targets if they'd failed to sign Mohamed Salah three years ago, it has been revealed.

The Liverpool Echo says the Reds had three other alternatives to Salah up their sleeve incase a deal failed to materialise.

The Reds were adamant that they wanted to sign the Egyptian but knew that Roma may play hardball in an attempt to hike up his price.

The club pressed on with negotiations but wanted something to fall back on.

Douglas Costa (Juventus), Keita Balde (now Monaco) and Gelson Martins (also now Monaco) were the options discussed.