Liverpool backed to 'spend big' in the summer amid Mohamed Salah exit claim - pundit
Alan Hutton has backed Liverpool to "spend big" in the summer but won't get rid of Mohamed Salah to do so.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said that the ball is in Salah's court if he wants to quit in the summer.
Last week (11 February), sources told this site that the Reds may be willing to cash in on the 30-year-old in the summer as one of the player that could command a huge fee.
Owners Fenway Sports Group run the club on a self-sustainable basis meaning any new arrivals will need to be funded by outgoings.
Salah is one member of a small group of players that the Reds believe could command a £50million-plus fee.
But Hutton insisted Jurgen Klopp's side won't "force him out".
"I do not think they would be willing to offload him," he told Football Insider.
"If Salah decided that he wants a fresh challenge then they would leave the ball in his court. I do not really see Liverpool forcing him out.
"They have not spent all that much compared to some of the other teams. Jurgen Klopp will know that he has to do business in the summer.
"He needs to strengthen if he wants to keep up with the top sides. I think midfield is a priority at this moment in time.
"I am sure he will have options but can they back it up with the money to be able to go and compete with the big teams? It is going to be an interesting summer for Liverpool because they are going to have to spend big."