Liverpool are reportedly considering making a move for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish if star forward Mohamed Salah leaves the club.
The Egyptian's future has been thrown into doubt after the player refused to rule out a big-money move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Former international teammate and close friend Mohamed Aboutrika has also revealed that Salah is "unhappy" at Liverpool but the 28-year-old remains committed to performing well on the pitch.
"I called Salah about his situation at Liverpool and he is upset, but that would never affect his performance on the field," Aboutrika told beIN Sports.
"I know that Salah is not happy in Liverpool, he told me the reasons why he is not happy, but they are secrets and I cannot talk about it in public."
Salah, who has two-and-a-half years left on his Anfield contract, has been one of the standout players in the Premier League since he joined the club in 2017, scoring 110 goals in 173 appearances in all competitions, including 16 strikes this season.
However, the Daily Mirror reports that the champions could register their interest with Villa for Grealish as early as next month if Salah's situation were to change.
Grealish was an integral figure that helped Dean Smith's side avoid relegation from the Premier League last season and the midfielder has performed well once again this campaign, scoring five goals and providing seven assists as well as earning international call-ups to Gareth Southgate's England side.