New Liverpool manager Arne Slot tells club bosses the four players he wants to build his team around

Liverpool have officially appointed Arne Slot as their new manager, and he has identified four key players to build his team around.

Liverpool's official X account teased an announcement as they shared a clip of Jurgen Klopp creating a chant for Slot in his final game for the club.

The Merseyside outfit then confirmed his appointment, revealing the Dutchman has penned a three-year deal and will formally take up the position on June 1 ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Liverpool sources are adamant Slot rapidly became the club's No.1 choice after former Reds midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running.

And a report from The Telegraph has outlined the four players who will be instrumental under Slot, who will look to build on Jurgen Klopp's foundation.

The report claims Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will be fundamental to the 45-year-old's debut campaign in the Premier League.

Slot identified Nunez as critical to moving the team forward and noted his 'extraordinary attributes' and 'name-checked him as one of the many players he is excited to work with'.

The Uruguayan forward, who scored 18 goals in all competitions this campaign, has come under fire for his performances since his £85 million transfer from Benfica.

Darwin Nunez in action for Liverpool. Image: Getty

As for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, Liverpool are planning for the future with the trio, and they are a priority as the club looks for a balance of experience and youth within their squad.

Salah, who bagged 25 goals across all competitions this season, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Saudi Arabia authorities hellbent on acquiring his services ahead of the new season.

It remains to be seen whether a mega bid from a Saudi Pro League side will alter the situation.

Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk have also been linked with a move away from Anfield.

The English right-back has been linked with Real Madrid while the Dutch defender has spoken about his future.

In Klopp's final season in charge of Liverpool, they finished in third place - behind champions Manchester City and Arsenal.