By Alex McLeish

29th Oct, 2021 | 8:30pm

New Salah deal now a 'formality' for Liverpool after Anfield source update - ex-manager

Alex McLeish has claimed tying Mohamed Salah down to a new contract should be a “formality” for Liverpool.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland manager insisted the Reds will have the financial clout to meet the 29-year-old’s blockbuster demands.

A Liverpool source told Football Insider on Friday (29th October) owners Fenway Sports Group want a deal done well in advance of the January transfer window.

The hitman’s current terms expire in 2023 and club chiefs recognise the need to get him secured before he enters the final 12-18 months of his contract.

However, the Egypt international wants a £500,000-a-week deal running until 2026 to stay at Anfield.

FSG have been reluctant to break the bank for a player heading into their 30s.

However, they recognise Salah as a special exception after continuing his blistering form into this season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has been putting the Liverpool hierarchy under “huge” pressure to get a deal done.

McLeish insisted there should be no trouble on the parties agreeing terms and getting pen to paper.

Asked if Liverpool should give Salah what he wants, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Correct.

“Liverpool can make fortunes. Such is the day in modern-day football and the Premier League, it’s the richest league in the world.

“They can no doubt cover those wages with the revenue they take in.

“I think that it should be a formality.”

Salah has been in sensational form this term with 15 goals in 12 appearances.

He strengthened his bargaining power with a hat trick against Manchester United last weekend.

The Egyptian star last signed a contract extension in 2018.

In other news, Kieran Maguire has told Liverpool to seal “brilliant” £36.2m deal after Salah update.