In an ideal world, Liverpool would find some cover for Ryan Gravenberch in January — a Martin Zubimendi type, capable of stepping in and ensuring that the Dutchman doesn't get worked to exhaustion. But for Arne Slot, there is a much more pressing matter at hand.

With the news emerging that Real Madrid has been swiftly rebuffed in its efforts to accelerate a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, no one needs a reminder of the Liverpool contract situation more generally. And the reality is that far trumps any potential incoming in January when it comes to significance.

Liverpool will be keeping Alexander-Arnold beyond the coming month but the question remains over whether he will still be there in the summer. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, of course, need tying down too.

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Months have passed with little in the way of a positive update. Van Dijk has been quiet on what might happen in recent weeks, refusing the chance to speak about his future. Salah, meanwhile, said last weekend that any announcement regarding him was still far away.

But if Liverpool can find a way to come to an agreement with Van Dijk and Salah, at least, that would be a huge boost. Each is operating at a higher level than anyone else in the world in their position right now and both remain keen to be Reds players. All the while, bringing in a new player at anywhere their standard would be near-impossible.

Alexander-Arnold being the subject of an inquiry from Real Madrid will only fuel further speculation about his decision, with Jamie Carragher not the only Liverpool fan to think that it could be part of a wider PR ploy. By telling the La Liga giant to ask the question, the theory goes, Alexander-Arnold is laying the groundwork ready to leave for nothing in the summer.

No matter the extent of any of that which might be true or otherwise, though, the rumblings are going to go on in the background. Real Madrid clearly wants the player and when that happens, it doesn't usually back down quietly.

In the case of Alexander-Arnold especially, but also Salah and Van Dijk as they will be continually asked about their situations until the outcome is confirmed, there is the potential there for distraction. Liverpool will do its best to avoid that and each player will be professional, but with such a big call still looming over three key men, chatter and talk is inevitable.

As much as shutting that out is possible, it is only human for it to infiltrate to some degree. And given the position Liverpool is in at this stage of the Premier League campaign, that needs to be avoided at all costs.

The only surefire way of guaranteeing the contract talk doesn't get in the way of a hugely promising season is by coming to an agreement over a new deal and making a triple announcement. The sooner that can happen, the better — for tying down some long-term stars, and ensuring Liverpool has the best shot at Premier League glory in the next few months too.