Liverpool star makes public contract claim after Mohamed Salah 'offer' and transfer admission

Time is running out for the Reds hierarchy to agree renewals with the high-profile trio before they can enter talks over a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs during the January transfer window.

Liverpool are believed to have accelerated their efforts to keep Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold in recent days, though, as it was reported over the weekend that the former has finally been offered his a renewal.

Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are also said to have been presented with extension offers, and while the former has apparently already agreed to stay put, Alexander-Arnold's situation is complicated by Real Madrid's long-standing interest.

Nevertheless, Mac Allister - speaking to AS - has publicly backed all of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold to continue on Merseyside, and he is keeping his fingers crossed that the former will remain at the club until he hangs up his boots.

Mac Allister wants "legend" Salah to retire at Liverpool

"He inspires us a lot, on and off the pitch. He is an example of work and dedication, always looking to give the best of himself. He is a very hard-working person who gives everything to play football," Mac Allister told the publication.

"On the pitch you can see: Salah has that personality of always going for more, and when you have him by your side, you know that he is a player who will give you assists or score goals. Hopefully he can continue like this, because he is one of the most important players for our team.

"Hopefully he can continue next year at Liverpool. I want the negotiations to be able to come to a successful conclusion. He looks happy here; He is a legend of the club. It would be ideal if he could finish his career here, but these are very personal decisions and it also depends on the club doing their analysis or making a decision."

While Salah is still said to be on the Saudi Pro League's radar, Real Madrid are expected to push especially hard to sign Alexander-Arnold, whom they have earmarked as an ideal successor to the long-serving Dani Carvajal.

Mac Allister himself recently opened the door to playing in La Liga at some point in his career, but the Argentina international has backed the "differential" Alexander-Arnold to snub the advances of the Spanish champions as talks continue.

Mac Allister comments on Alexander-Arnold defensive criticism amid contract uncertainty

"Yes, hopefully Trent and Virgil can continue with us along with Salah," Mac Allister added. "Alexander-Arnold, for example, is fundamental as he was seen against Manchester City when he returned from injury. Its quality is enormous.

"I have always said that he was criticized for his defensive role, but I have no doubt that both in defence and in attack he is a differential player. In addition, he is strong and fast which allows him to find that balance between attack and defence. Like Salah, he is in negotiations and hopefully he can continue in the team."

Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are all expected to start for Liverpool in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Girona, but Mac Allister will not feature due to a one-game Champions League suspension.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man is also banned for the Reds' next Premier League game with Fulham this weekend, as his yellow-card punishment is carried over from Saturday's postponed Merseyside derby.

Nevertheless, head coach Arne Slot has received a major selection boost ahead of the clash with Girona, where Liverpool will endeavour to make it six wins from six in this season's Champions League.

Written by

Ben Knapton