Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says it should be no surprise that Mohamed Salah is courting interest from Saudi Arabia after the sports minister for the nation went public with his admiration for the Egyptian.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have long been keen to bring Salah to the region with the latest speculation that he could replace Neymar at Al Hilal. And Liverpool, of course, is yet to tie down its star man to a new deal, with his existing contract set to run out at the end of the season.

Asked this week whether Salah is the "big prize" for Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal talked up the possibility of a move. "Well, definitely, because if he ticks all the right boxes, even for us, we'd love to have him," he said.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher names two transfers Liverpool should make after major title 'gamble'

READ MORE: Gary Lineker explains what he noticed above all about Arne Slot after meeting with Liverpool boss

“He's, you know, he's Egyptian, and we have a very good relationship, and we feel like we are one with the Egyptians as well, from our culture and our history and so on. So to have Mo Salah or other players that are good role models would be, you know, a pleasure and a privilege to have in the Saudi League."

But Slot, asked if he would have any advice for Salah on where his future should lie, was in no mood to suggest what most people think: that it would be a colossal step down for the Liverpool talisman, who remains at the peak of his powers.

"It would be a surprise if anyone said they didn't want Mo Salah!" Slot said during his press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth. "He has done so well for so many years.

"He has done so well without my advice so he can keep doing what is best for his career. My advice is different to the one you just mentioned (from the Saudi sports minister).

"I am not surprised someone wants him. He has done so many smart things in his career, so he will make the right decision for him and hopefully us in his career. Everybody wants Mo, including us. We want him to extend."

Liverpool.com says: There is no way that Salah should be thinking about moving to the Saudi Pro League. Until he commits to Liverpool, though, the speculation isn't going anywhere. If he does leave, a move within Europe is far more likely, where he could still remain at the top of the game. Liverpool, however, is the obvious place for him to continue.