Arne Slot declared Mohamed Salah “more in than out” of his Liverpool plans as he suggested the Anfield contract wrangle is bringing the best out of the superstar winger.

Arne Slot insists Mohamed Salah’s comments about his future are not a distraction ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday as he joked: “If I look at my line ups then Mo is more in than out!

The Egypt international sees his current deal at Anfield expire at the end of the season and he caused quite a stir with comments following Sunday's 3-2 win over Southampton where he scored twice to help the Reds open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.