Liverpool 'already have' Mohamed Salah replacement in mind amid explosive Arne Slot row

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Mohamed Salah launched into a furious rant following Liverpool's stalemate with Leeds United - and David James reckons his former side have already got a successor in mind.

Salah dropped a bombshell in an interview at Elland Road, claiming Liverpool had "thrown him under the bus" and declaring his relationship with Arne Slot was finished.

The attacker also suggested he would bid farewell to Liverpool fans at next Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. Salah found himself on the bench for the third game running during Saturday's thrilling 3-3 stalemate at Elland Road.

Former Reds shot-stopper James, speaking prior to Salah's interview, reckons his old side have already identified a successor for the Egyptian.

"Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool," the ex-England international told CasinoBernie.

"I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties. And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren't unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they're producing.

"So you could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need. And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.

"Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid.

"I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future.

"However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse.

"I also think that Liverpool will have someone already lined up to replace Mo Salah."

Salah has been touted for a switch to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are among the clubs reportedly interested in securing his signature.

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James reckons: "Mo's only 33. Cristiano Ronaldo, I know he's playing in Saudi, but he's only been doing it for a few years, but the guy is 40, he's still scoring at international level.

"Mo, it has been well-versed about how fit he is. People keep talking about losing pace, but I don't think he has from the numbers, that I'm told are the same as they were before.

"The one thing I would say is probably the defenders he's playing against are getting quicker. So it's not Mo, it's just the opposition. But at 33 years old, it's true that the guy's got another contract in him easily."