Liverpool news: Mo Salah sale not ruled out as position taken on star's contract dilemma

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Liverpool are edging towards a return to Premier League action as the reigning champions hope to get their season back on track. Just three days remain before they host Nottingham Forest , with their 3-0 loss to Manchester City preceding the most recent international break.

Morale looked to be on the up before their defeat at the Etihad Stadium which came after wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid . However, Arne Slot 's side were outclassed in Manchester and put an almighty dampener on the ray of hope that shone upon the Reds' season.

While dealing with what has so far been a dismal defence of their Premier League crown, reports surrounding Mohamed Salah's future have loudened recently. The uncertain future of Andy Robertson has also become a topic of discussion. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding Anfield.

It was only several months ago that Salah put pen to paper on a new Liverpool contract that would tie him down until 2027. However, his drop in form has led to rumours that the Egyptian's relationship with Liverpool could end earlier than that.

A successor to the legendary winger will likely be on the agenda next summer, but that doesn't necessarily mean a sale will be green-lit for the 33-year-old. However, it's a likely scenario, according to former Liverpool goalkeeper David James, who believes there's a scenario that would suit both parties in the event of Salah's exit.

Speaking to GOAL , the ex-England man said: "Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool . I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties.

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"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."

Salah turned down the allure of the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but James believes another heavy offer from the Middle East could prove too much for the Reds to resist for their ageing icon. "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," he explained.

"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."

Robertson entered the international break back in the starting XI for Liverpool, ending Milos Kerkez's run of nine league matches. The 31-year-old, alongside Ibrahima Konate, is unsure of his future at Anfield , with his contract expiring at the end of the season. He recently admitted that talks have not begun on a renewal, which could bring an end to what has been a glittering career with the club.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer claimed the Reds will offer Robertson a new deal, but the Scotsman has built such a legacy at Anfield that should he want a move in the summer, the club will respect his wishes.

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"It is a funny one with Andy Robertson and Liverpool, really," the former Republic of Ireland international said. "I think from how he has served Liverpool in his career, I think it will more be a case of Liverpool giving him the option. They won't stand in his way if he wants a move to Celtic.

"I am sure he will be offered a new deal, but obviously on different terms. Liverpool has come to the point where Manchester City were last season, where they have exhausted their team, really. Jurgen Klopp exhausted the team, but he had great success with (James) Milner, (Jordan) Henderson, (Adam) Lallana etc.

"When Milner left, I worried for Liverpool. A lot of football goes on in the dressing room and on the training ground. Leaders are few and far between. Leadership today is talked about in different ways. You can lead by example, lead vocally and in all different ways."