Salah says Liverpool’s new deal is “far-fetched” | Football news

Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah confirmed that he still has a long way to go to extend his contract with Liverpool, which expires in the summer.

Mohamed Salah said talks over a new contract with Liverpool had not progressed significantly after he played a starring role again in a 5-0 win over West Ham to help extend their lead in the Premier League by eight points.

Al-Masry scored one goal and assisted two more in Sunday’s match, taking his tally of goals in all competitions for the season to 20 in addition to 17 assists in 24 matches in the English Premier League and Champions League.

Salah’s contract, along with teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, expires at the end of the season, meaning they can discuss a free transfer with non-English clubs from January 1.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that an agreement is approaching between the 32-year-old and the Reds, but Salah has rejected those suggestions.

“We are far from that,” Salah told Sky Sports. “I don’t want to put something out in the media and people start saying things, but nothing really happens.

“Now I’m focusing on the team and I hope we win the Premier League.”

Arsenal and Chelsea have a chance to close the gap on Liverpool in the coming days, but a record-equalling 20th Premier League title – and only their second in 35 years – is what the leaders have to lose in their current form.

Salah added: “The only thing on my mind is that I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of it.” Highly linked to a move to the Saudi Professional League.

“This is the only thing I focused on. I will do my best to win the title. We are in the right direction but there are other teams trying to catch up with us. We just need to stay humble and go again.

Arne Slott has won 23 of the 27 matches he has played since taking on the seemingly difficult task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

The Dutchman was asked if Salah is the best player in the world currently, and he said it’s hard to disagree based on his stats this season.

“If you look at his numbers, you can’t say that, but there are different players in different leagues that are high quality,” Slott said.

“But Mo is definitely there at the moment. He could have scored more today, but I also liked his work rate for the team without the ball.

“He’s in a very good place. Let’s hope he can stay like this for a long time.”