Michael Emenalo, the director of football of the Saudi Pro League, has admitted that he is not anticipating the arrival of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in January.
During the summer transfer window, a wide array of worldwide talent made the switch to the Middle East to transform the quality involved in Saudi Arabia's top flight.
Ahead of business reopening at the turn of the year, the expectation is that more money will be spent on players plying their trade in Europe, and Salah's name is expected to be mentioned in conversations.
Earlier this year, it was widely reported that Al-Ittihad would be prepared to commit to a £150m deal in order to tempt Liverpool into selling one of the greatest players in their history.
While Liverpool naturally want to retain the Egypt international's services as long as possible, his current contract is due to expire in 2025.
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That makes it plausible that officials at the Merseyside outfit will be prepared to consider offers should Salah not show any desire to extend his present terms.
Nevertheless, in an interview with Sky Sports, Emenalo has indicated that he and the Saudi Pro League will respect Liverpool, the hint being that they do not want to be involved in a prolonged transfer saga.
Emenalo said: "Mo Salah, like [Lionel] Messi, [Karim] Benzema, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, these are players that, when there is a sense of availability for them, we are willing to listen.
"But we also understand that Mo is happy where he is at present and in a historic, wonderful club at Liverpool. We respect that very much and we don't want to come across as putting any pressure on him.
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"But if there is any interest to do something, Mo Salah is a player that you want in your league, in any league."
Emenalo added: "We respect Liverpool and in this scenario, the initiative to do anything won't come from us."
Like they did in the summer, Liverpool are expected to state that the 31-year-old is not for sale at any price as they bid to reclaim the Premier League title.
Salah has contributed 11 goals and seven assists from 16 starts, with Jurgen Klopp's team currently sitting one point clear at the top of the standings.
Darren Plant
