Former Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo is the current manager of Al-Ittihad (Picture: Getty Images)
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad tried to sign a Premier League flop after missing out on Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, according to reports.
Al-Ittihad were desperate to land Salah and had a £150m bid rejected by Liverpool before the Saudi Arabian transfer window closed on Thursday.
It was thought that they were ready to significantly increase their offer for the 31-year-old to an eye-watering £215m but Salah ended up staying with the Reds.
It has now been revealed by The Telegraph that Al-Ittihad attempted to bring in Richarlison from Tottenham after failing to sign the Egypt international.
Spurs striker Richarlison has hugely struggled since moving to north London last summer, with the forward registering just eight goal involvements in 40 games.
Richarlison’s poor form has now spilled onto the international stage too with the 26-year-old spotted in tears on Brazil’s bench after he failed to score during their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Friday evening.
That did not stop Al-Ittihad from trying to sign him – with the Saudi club holding a round of talks through intermediaries – but they could not get a deal over the line for the former Everton star before their transfer window closed.
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It is believed that Al-Ittihad will not give up on Salah and will make another attempt when the Saudi transfer window reopens.
Liverpool, though, are adamant that Salah will not be sold for any price and want to keep one of the best players in world football at Anfield.
Jamie Carragher expects Salah to leave Liverpool but suggests that next summer is the best time for all parties to make the move.
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