Liverpool failed to secure Mohamed Salah's signature because they took "too long" negotiating with Basel, according to the winger's agent Sascha Empacher.
The Merseyside outfit had been in contact with Basel for the last few months regarding a possible move, but the player opted for a switch to Chelsea.
"It was a long and fair negotiation with Liverpool, but it lasted two-and-a-half months - too long," The Mirror quotes Empacher as saying.
"Both clubs could not agree on terms. When Chelsea contacted Basel, he was happy and took his chance. It was no financial matter."
Reports have claimed that Liverpool gave Basel a down payment of £8m, while Chelsea offered the club £11m up front.
