Mo Salah closing in on Liverpool contract and update on Virgil van Dijk deal - The Mirror

Liverpool look to have tied down Mohamed Salah to a new contract, with things progressing in a similar direction for Anfield captain Virgil van Dijk as their current deals wind down

Mohamed Salah is closing in on an agreement for a new contract at Liverpool, with things progressing in a similar fashion for Virgil van Dijk. There has been a breakthrough in talks in recent weeks and there's now growing confidence that a deal will be signed for the Egypt forward to extend his eight-year spell at Anfield.

The news comes after captain Virgil van Dijk said earlier this week that there has been progress on his contract discussions as it now seems possible that both players pen new contracts. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out of contract at the end of the season but he is wanted by Real Madrid with the Spanish club confident of landing his signature this summer.

Salah, 32, has been involved in detailed discussions about the financial offer and length of contract for months. There always has been confidence on both sides that he would stay with Saudi Arabia never a realistic option for the player despite interest from the Middle East.

The contract is set to run for two years and while the salary is unknown, it is understood that the player won't be taking a pay cut. Salah has spoken out numerous times this season indicating that he wanted to stay and turning the focus on the club by saying it is up to them.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has led discussions with the player's agent Ramy Abbas which are now coming to a conclusion. Salah has been involved in 54 goals this season for the Reds with 32 to his name as well as 22 assists as he has helped lead Liverpool to the brink of a 20th league title which they are 11 points away from securing.

That has intensified scrutiny on Hughes to get a deal done but he now looks close to securing one of Liverpool's greats to a new contract.

Van Dijk, 33, is also heading in the right direction but there is no agreement yet either. On Sunday, after losing to Fulham he said: "There is progress, yeah. I don’t know, we’ll see. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see," the centre-back said.

“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.”

The news will be a welcome boost for boss Arne Slot, who has said on multiple occasions that he wants the players to remain at the club.

The clarity on the situation will also help Hughes and Slot start to plan the summer transfer window in more detail as they look to add to a squad for what looks like a Premier League title defence and a quest for further trophies.

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