Egyptian star Mohamed Salah has said he is close to extending his contract at Liverpool, which expires this summer.
Mohamed Salah said Liverpool's new contract talks have not gone well after looking back on a 5-0 win at West Ham to help open up an eight-point lead in the English Premier League.
The Egyptian scored once and set up two more goals in Sunday's game, taking his tally in all competitions to 20 including 17 assists in 24 Premier League and Champions League games.
Salah, along with teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are out of contract at the end of the season, meaning they will have to negotiate a free transfer with non-English clubs from January 1.
Reports in recent weeks suggested a deal was imminent between the 32-year-old and the Reds, but Salah played down the speculation.
“We are a long way from that,” Salah told Sky Sports. “I don't want to put something on the radio and people start saying things, but nothing goes on.
“Now I focus on the team and I believe we will win the Premier League.”
Arsenal and Chelsea have the chance to close the gap on Liverpool in the coming days but a record equal to number 20 in England's top flight – and just one second in 35 years – means the leaders have lost their form.
“What's in my mind is that I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of it,” added Salah, who was present. Closely linked is a move to the Saudi Pro League.
“It's the only thing I've ever looked at. I will do my best to win the trophy. We are on the right track but there are other teams that want to get us. We just need to be humble and come back.”
Arne Slot has won 23 of 27 matches since taking on the seemingly daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
The Dutchman was asked if Salah is the best player in the world and said it would be difficult to argue based on his stats this season.
“If you look at his numbers, you can't argue, but there are different players in different leagues who have good qualities,” said Slot.
“But Mo is right there. He could have scored more today, but I also like the way he works for the team without the ball.
“He's in a very good place. Let's imagine he'll be like this for a long time.”