Liverpool's Move for Champions League Sensation Nearing Completion, Says Former Teammate

Liverpool will sign FC Basel's Mohamed Salah during next month's January transfer window, according to the winger's former teammate.

Salah's burgeoning reputation has seen him linked with moves to some of Europe's biggest sides and after the Swiss champions failed to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League, a move next month seems all the more likely.

The Egypt international, who has starred against Chelsea and Tottenham in the 2013 in both the Europa League and the Champions League, indicated earlier this season that his preferred destinations were Manchester United, Real Madrid or the Blues.

But Liverpool may be on the verge on securing the 21-year-old's services, according to his former teammate Mohamed Zika.

"Yes, I am 99 per cent sure this will happen," Zika said when asked of Salah's move to Anfield, King Fut reports.

"He makes us and all of Egypt proud. Everybody talks about Mohamed Salah now – and aside from that he is my friend. I'm very happy with him."

After a hugely successful January transfer window last year where the club signed Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, Brendan Rodgers has indicated he is looking to do business once again as the Reds bid to strengthen their position in the Premier League's top four.

But the former Swansea boss was quick to stress that the club will only be looking to add players to the squad who are already better than what they currently have.

"Of course, we want to reinforce the group, but it has to be players that are clearly better than what we have and can come in and help the group," Rodgers told reporters during his latest press conference.

Salah, who is valued at £15m, could fit that description. Despite his tender years, the skilful winger already plays an integral role for both club and country, having scored 17 goals in 27 games for Egypt. He also scored twice in both contests against Chelsea in the group stage of the Champions League.