Liverpool navigated their way through the winter transfer market, but it wasn't without debate. The ongoing contract situations regarding Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah have dominated the landscape after January 1 posed an opportunity for clubs based overseas to enter negotiations on pre-contract agreements.

The Reds turned down an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, further causing scrutiny over the locally-born defender's future at Liverpool. But despite their uncertain futures, Arne Slot's side have continued their incredible run.

The former Feyenoord boss not only inherited a world-class squad, but also the issues surrounding the contracts of their three key men. Sporting director Richard Hughes was fiercely discussed throughout January and the beginning of February with the Reds just one of five Premier League clubs to opt against delving into the winter market.

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Liverpool sit top of the Premier League, are into the last 16 of the Champions League and competing in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Towards the end of the window, reports over a possible move to Saudi Arabia for Salah intensified with Al-Hilal reportedly emerging as favourites.

"Everybody wants him, including us," said Slot before the win over AFC Bournemouth. "We want him to extend of course as well - that is clear.

"I'm not surprised that Saudi want him, but I wouldn't be surprised that other countries want him, as well. He's old enough and wise enough, and has done so many smart things in his career, that he will make the right decision for himself and, hopefully, for us as well."

Regarding the discussions surrounding Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, he added: "Of course, I speak to these players. I speak to them, not every day like [sporting director] Richard [Hughes], but quite a lot and it would be ridiculous if in all these times I speak to them we've never spoken about the future.

"As you probably also know, that's not something I'm going to discuss with you [the media]. It's not only with the three that are out of contract, you also talk about future things with the other players as well.

"It's a non-stop process talking to your players - but that's also a non-stop process that I will not talk about that in public with you." With the winter window over, focus will be on the summer transfer market and here are the four players who are currently heading towards the end of their contracts;

Virgil van Dijk

Prior to the end of last year, it was understood the club has now offered the key trio fresh terms but negotiations between the players' representatives - and sporting director Hughes - continue. "I love the club, the club loves me," the Dutch captain said prior to the win over Leicester City.

"I love the fans, the fans love me. It's a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level, and we will see what the future brings."

The ECHO reported last month that Van Dijk has regularly been asked about his own situation, this season, but has always chosen to keep ongoing negotiations between his representatives and the club private.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Pressure on Liverpool increased drastically when Real Madrid launched a bid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on the eve of the transfer window in December. The Reds rejected the approach, but the threat of returning to the table to bring the England star to La Liga six months earlier loomed large. Their cards, it seemed, were finally on the table.

Alexander-Arnold is the youngest of the three players whose future remains in doubt, having progressed through Liverpool's academy before establishing himself as one of the most successful defenders in world football before the age of 25.

In 2021, he signed a long-term deal keeping him at the club until 2025. Speaking at the time of that announcement, he said: "I'm honoured to be given the opportunity and to be shown the trust in the club to be given an extension, so it was a no-brainer for me.

"The state the club is in and where I'm at in my career is always a good option for me. To extend and make sure I'm here longer is always a good thing, I'm made up."

Of Van Dijk, Salah and the 26-year-old, the full-back has had the most concrete interest - with Real Madrid making no secret of their desire to bring him to Spain. Time will tell if they return for his signature.

Mohamed Salah

Salah netted his 20th and 21st goals of the season as his double helped the Reds past Bournemouth on Saturday. His blistering form has seen him land himself in front of the TV cameras a number of times this season and he's never made any secret of what he wants to happen next.

Salah did, however, spark concern when he hinted that his effort in the comprehensive win at Manchester United could be his last appearance for Liverpool at Old Trafford./ Salah also put the Liverpool fanbase on alert after his match-winning display at Southampton.

The ECHO reported back in September how Salah was desperate to stay put on Merseyside, where he is settled with family. In a rare mixed zone interview, with the ECHO in attendance in November he said: "Well, we are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club, [so] I'm probably more out than in.

"You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this.

"But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven't received anything yet about my future.

"I love the fans, the fans love me. In the end it is not in my hands or the fans' hands.

"Let's wait and see. Of course [no offer is disappointing], yeah.

"I'm not going to retire soon so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and I'm trying to win the Premier League - and hopefully the Champions League as well - [so] I'm disappointed but we will see.

"I'm very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic.

"I'm just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I'm just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club and we will see what happens next."

Vitezslav Jaros

Vitezslav Jaros has emerged as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher. The Czech shot-stopper was an enforced change during the win over Crystal Palace to make his Premier League debut in October when Alisson was injured, equipping himself well as Liverpool saw out the game.

Both Alisson and Kelleher the topic of speculation in recent months. the Brazilian had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, meanwhile the Irishman has been strongly mooted with a move away from Anfield, in search of more regular first-team football.

Kelleher has been a solid deputy to Alisson, but the former AS Roma shot-stopper is the club's undisputed number one. With Giorgi Mamardashvili joining the club in the summer, it takes away a place in the goalkeeping ranks and the suggestion is that Kelleher will look to move on.

Liverpool, in turn, face a decision with Jaros. The 23-year-old is also out of contract this summer and will also be keen to start playing regular minutes after being called up to the full Czech squad during the Euros.