Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah transfer theory emerges as furious fans claim made

Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield with Arne Slot hoping to move the discussion away from Mohamed Salah's future and back to his team's performances

Liverpool's 100% record in the Champions League faces a stern test on Wednesday night when champions Real Madrid arrive at Anfield.

But with one foot already in the knockout stages, Arne Slot's high-flyers will be confident of inflicting more woe on a Real side facing a hefty injury crisis that sees Vinicius Jr among a host of stars not on Merseyside.

And in a week where talk around the future of Mohamed Salah has dominated, Slot will be hoping another impressive win can move the focus back to his team.

Here are the big stories to keep an eye on from in and around Anfield ahead of another enthralling European night.

Gravenberch boost

Ryan Gravenberch has told Liverpool there is no need to shop for a holding midfielder in the January transfer window because he is only going to get better in his new preferred role.

The Netherlands star has thrived in a deeper role under Arne Slot so far this season, starting every game in the Premier League and Champions League as the Reds open up an eight point gap at home and maintain a 100% record on the continental stage.

And Gravenberch is adamant that there remains huge room for improvement in his new preferred position - an area of the pitch Liverpool were determined to strengthen in the summer only for a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi to break down.

The 22-year-old explained where things can get even better.

Salah demand

Michael Owen thinks Liverpool supporters are right to fume at the club over Mohamed Salah ’s contract stand-off.

But the former striker reckons the big issue might be Salah, 32, demanding a long-term deal rather than a dispute over wages.

The Egyptian, whose current terms expire next June, said he was “more out than in” when asked about his future after Sunday’s come from behind win at Southampton. And Owen has revealed whispers from close to the camp suggest Salah, who currently earns £350,000 a week, is looking for a multi-year deal.

“I think fans around the world will be very annoyed at the club,” Owen said.

Trent advice

“Sensible” Trent Alexander-Arnold must be tempted to join Real Madrid this summer, according to Michael Owen.

And the former Liverpool striker has extended an invitation to the current Reds star if he needs any advice should he decide to leave Anfield.

Owen left Liverpool for Real in the summer of 2004 with a reputation as one of the world ’s most coveted strikers only to struggle in the Spanish capital before leaving for Newcastle a year later.

And while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains undecided, with team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also nearing the end of their contracts with the Premier League leaders, Owen can understand why linking up with close friend Jude Bellingham would interest him.

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