Liverpool have plenty of work still to complete on and off the pitch before the Premier League season is over with Arne Slot’s attention first on West Ham United next weekend
Liverpool have to wait until Sunday to rectify last weekend’s defeat to Fulham in the Premier League, but their mission remains to tie up the Premier League title. Arne Slot’s side require 11 points to become champions for the first time in five years.
The Reds preparations will be fully focused on claiming three points against West Ham United to get back on track in their title quest. The quicker that is wrapped up, the earlier Liverpool’s attention can firmly focus to preparing for next season and the transfer market.
There will also be scrutiny over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who have yet to agree new deals on Merseyside. Trent Alexander-Arnold is already expected to depart with the trio set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season.
There is no shortage of work still to be completed by the Reds. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and transfer rumours around Anfield below.
Contracts
Liverpool are extending the contracts of both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. The Reds’ stars are set to remain at Anfield according to NBC, with Arne Slot’s side confident new deals will be signed.
READ MORE: Liverpool star confronted Jamie Carragher in dressing room over transfer remarksREAD MORE: Former Liverpool and Arsenal star survives terrifying grenade attack in Israel
Salah has net 27 goals in 31 games in the Premier League this term and Van Dijk has started every match the club have faced in the division. The Dutch defender has already revealed that there had been “progress” in the negotiations.
“There is progress, yeah,” Van Dijk told reporters after Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham. “I don’t know, we’ll see. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.
“I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them at Fulham. But want I them to be there against West Ham on Sunday again and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”
Liam Delap transfer
Liam Delap will prioritise playing time when choosing his next club, should he leave Ipswich Town at the end of the season. The 22-year-old is drawing interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle, while Manchester United have made the striker their No.1 target.
The ex-Manchester City youngster does not want to complete a transfer, only to be a back-up option at his new club however. Delap is believed to be available for £40million, after moving to Portman Road for £20m last summer.
City will be entitled to 20 per cent of any profit made by the Tractor Boys. They are unlikely to attempt to activate their buy-back option for the player however.
Liverpool’s ‘nightmare’ issue
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the team’s lack of a left-sided central defender cost them against Fulham. Alex Iwobi scored for the Cottagers after the Reds gave up possession outside of their own area.
And Carragher believes the interaction between Van Dijk and Andy Robertson highlighted a long-term issue. “The reason why Fulham have pushed it to van Dijk is… and something Liverpool have always lacked… a left-footed centre back,” he said.
“Now, the reason I think Virgil van Dijk probably goes to [left back] Andy Robertson is it’s the obvious pass, of course. It’s not a bad pass, but maybe a left-footed centre back with the quality of Van Dijk could actually go there [and play a long-range pass from left to right and find Mo Salah in space].
“If it’s on the right side, he’s got that passing range in his locker. And that’s why I think Fulham have pushed it this side, pushed Virgil van Dijk onto his left foot. Because they know he can’t play that pass and he’s going to play the shorter pass.
“He goes to Andy Robertson and he’s just got to go back to the goalkeeper. He tries a cross-field pass, he gets it wrong and we know what happens. It was a nightmare scenario for him.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
