Liverpool confident of agreeing new deal for one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet
Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the season as they aim to build on last season’s success and Arne Slot plans to keep his best players as a result.
The Reds have won all five of their Premier League games so far this season after a busy transfer window which saw them spend over £420million on incoming deals.
Despite that big spend, however, speculation has continued about the futures of a number of their big-name stars including the likes of Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool have struggled to agree contracts with key players, having already seen Trent Alexander-Arnold move to Real Madrid, with Ibrahima Konate tipped to follow him.
However, the Reds remain determined to keep hold of their best players and are now making progress to reward their best performers behind the scenes.
Liverpool confident of agreeing new Ryan Gravenberch contract
Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool have earned high praise in recent weeks, while he played a key role and scored as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 at Anfield.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Liverpool are confident they will agree terms over a new deal for the midfielder.
The Netherlands international has established himself as a key part of the starting XI since the beginning of last season, and remains a crucial part of their plans for the future.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There’ll be a confidence from Liverpool that they could tie down Gravenberch to a new deal.
“He’s been brilliant for them since Slot came in at Anfield, he was instrumental in their Premier League title success last year and arguably has been their best player this season.
“He’d be fully deserving of a new contract, he has three years remaining on his current deal and Liverpool will look to discuss a new deal to end speculation over a move to Real Madrid.
“Liverpool are confident they can keep hold of Gravenberch because he’s a key figure in Slot’s plans and he is happy at Liverpool as well.
“There’s a willingness for all parties to sit down and thrash out a new deal because Liverpool see him as one of the first names on the team sheet at Anfield.”
A new contract is being lined up as a reward to recognise the midfielder’s importance to Liverpool despite having plenty of time remaining on his current deal.
Real Madrid to be disappointed in efforts to sign Gravenberch
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool will not entertain offers for Gravenberch despite interest from Real Madrid.
Madrid are believed to be long-term admirers in the midfielder, and while their interest may prove tempting, he is keen to remain at Liverpool for the foreseeable future.
Gravenberch was also linked with a move away from Liverpool in January, but reports at the time explained he had no desire to leave Anfield despite the interest.
Slot has been credited with “creating a monster” in Gravenberch, after transforming his fortunes at Anfield as he initially looked to have fallen by the wayside.
With two goals and two assists in five appearances so far this season despite his defensive midfield role, he looks set to enjoy his best season so far.
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