Arne Slot set to hold crunch talks with two key Liverpool players once he becomes manager

Arne Slot will reportedly hold talks with two key Liverpool stars once his appointment as the new Reds manager is confirmed.

Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle on a compensation package for the Dutchman, who has told Dutch media that he wants to move to Anfield.

Once the deal is finalised, the 45-year-old will replace Jurgen Klopp as the Liverpool manager at the end of this season.

But while Slot will be taking over one of the biggest clubs in English football, he will have a number of issues to solve once he does take charge.

Chief among them is the future of Mohamed Salah, who had a touchline row with Klopp during Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Ham.

That has only appeared to make the Egyptian's exit from Anfield more likely, with the 31-year-old entering the final 12 months of his contract amid transfer interest from the Saudi Pro League.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will make a decision on Salah's future 'at the end of the season' - once Slot is installed as manager.

He told CaughtOffside: "Now he [Salah] has to decide with new directors and under new manager Arne Slot.

"Salah's future will be decided at the end of the season, not now. For Liverpool, it was crucial to prepare new project and they have now new manager, new directors all set."

The Daily Mirror, meanwhile, report that the future of captain Virgil van Dijk is an 'urgent' priority for Slot once he takes charge, with Borussia Dortmund among the European clubs interested in signing the centre-back.

Like Salah, the 32-year-old's contract at Anfield expires next summer, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is also entering the final 12 months of his deal.

Following reports of Slot's impending appointment as Liverpool boss, Van Dijk told reporters: "I think Arne Slot might be one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment.

"I think the way he plays, and the philosophy he has, that he could be a Liverpool coach. Only in my opinion.

"What I also read and hear, of course, is that it is far from finalised. We will see. Next year we will focus on that."

Topics: Arne Slot, Liverpool, Feyenoord, Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Football

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.