Arne Slot gives cryptic response when asked about new Liverpool contracts for Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah

Liverpool manager Arne Slot offered a cryptic reply when asked about the ongoing contract negotiations with top player Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

Slot's start to his first season as Liverpool boss could not have gone much better, with the Reds winning six of their seven games in all competitions, scoring 18 goals while conceding just three.

However, one thing that is hanging over the positive start to the season is the growing uncertainty around the future of star players Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah.

And when asked about the contract negotiations with three of his most important players, the Liverpool boss have a cryptic response.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, Slot said: "You are trying to find another way of asking!

"I'm very happy that these three players are in my team. Let's see what the future brings."

The Dutch manager's coy response will frustrate Liverpool fans who are concerned that one or several of arguably their three best players could leave as a free agent.

As it stands, all three players are out of contract at the end of this season, and therefore could leave the club without Liverpool receiving any kind of transfer fee.

The delay in any concrete news is particularly concerning as, from January 1, the three stars will each be able to negotiate with any non-English clubs and can sign a pre-contract to join them once their Liverpool deal expires months later.

Alexander-Arnold is the latest of the three players to speak out his future at the club.

“I have always said I want to captain the club. That is a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands," he told reporters.

“I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say."

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are three of Liverpool's most important players. (Image: Getty)

He continued: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either."

Meanwhile Van Dijk seemed to suggest he wanted to stay at Anfield while on international duty with the Netherlands.

After securing a 5-2 win over Bosnia, he said: "At both teams (Liverpool and The Netherlands) I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years."

As for Salah, speaking after Liverpool's win at Old Trafford, he said: "You know this is my last year in the club. I just want to enjoy it. It’s not up to me but no one has spoken to me at the club."