John Aldridge makes a bold Harry Kane call after Mohamed Salah's latest contract vow
Harry Kane (left) celebrates his penalty against Burnley with strike partner Son Heung-min (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah refused to be drawn on his protracted contract negotiations but insisted he will not be heading out of the club this summer, with former Reds striker John Aldridge predicting he may still leave this simmer.
With just over 12 months remaining on his contract, speculation will undoubtedly increase about the Egypt international’s future.
Saturday’s Champions League final opponents Real Madrid have missed out on signing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in recent weeks and Salah’s form over his five years at Anfield would make him a prime target for the LaLiga side as an alternative.
But, while there still remains plenty of work to do for Liverpool to get a new deal for the 29-year-old over the line, they have some time as he has committed himself for another season at least.
“I am staying next season for sure, I am staying next season,” said the Egyptian.
“I don’t focus on the contract. I don’t want to be selfish. I said that two months ago – it is about the team now.
“I am just focused with the team. I want the Champions League again. I want to see Hendo (captain Jordan Henderson) with the trophy again and hopefully he will give it to me after.”
Despite Salah's claims, Aldridge suspects Liverpool may be tempted to cash in on the striker if he show no inclination to sign a new deal and eyes up a free transfer next summer.
"I think one Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool this summer," Aldridge told sundayworld.com.
"That might well be Salah. He might be looking at a free transfer when his contract expires, but Liverpool won't allow that to happen. That means he might leave this summer.
"I suspect one of the forward will leave this summer because they were talking to Kylian Mbappe and that suggests they are expecting someone to go.
"Mane and Firmino have been great servants to Liverpool and the same goes for Salah, but they might look to add a top class striker this summer and someone needs to leave to make way.
"I think Liverpool need to go big this summer and sign a striker who will score 20-goals plus a season, especially if there are doubts over Salah's future."
When asked whether Tottenham striker Harry Kane could be the answer to Liverpool's striker dilemma, Aldo added: "Yes, he would be, but that deal won't happen for Liverpool.
"If the owners are going to spend big on a striker, they will not sign a player who is at the back end of his career. That just isn't how they work.
"Manchester City have signed Erling Haaland, so Kane would be an amazing signing for Liverpool, but I don't see it happening."
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