Mohamed Salah is wanted by Chelsea this month (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have made a £10million bid for Liverpool transfer target Mohamed Salah as they look to find a replacement for Juan Mata.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is open to the idea of Mata leaving Stamford Bridge this month, and negotiations with Manchester United over his sale are progressing.

But it appears Chelsea want to have a replacement lined up before letting him go, with the club lodging a £10million bid for FC Basel’s Salah.

The winger, who terrorised Mourinho’s men in the Champions League this season, has been in talks with Liverpool this week about a transfer to Anfield.


Salah impressed against Chelsea this season (Picture: Getty)

However, Chelsea now believe they can hijack the move – and are prepared to go up to £18million to get their man.



Salah, dubbed the Egyptian Messi, had set his heart on a move to Anfield, but the chance to be involved in a title race in west London would be too difficult to turn down.

MORE: Who is FC Basel winger wizard Mohamed Salah?