Richard Hughes asked question on Mohamed Salah future as 'daily' Liverpool talks taking place

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been communicating 'daily' with new boss Arne Slot as they look to identify potential additions the club can make this summer.

It is a summer of change at Anfield as Slot took part in his first press conference as Liverpool manager earlier on Friday morning. The former Feyenoord boss was joined by the club's new sporting director, Hughes, who was appointed as Jorg Schmadtke's successor following the German's exit back in January.

Hughes parted ways with Premier League outfit Bournemouth to take on the role and has admitted that he is already working tirelessly with Slot to identify targets for Liverpool to pursue in the summer transfer window. Speaking to the media, Hughes said: "It's been great to work with Arne.

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"It was a difficult position at first as we both had jobs to finish. Since then we've been in communication daily, on many things, preparing for the transfer window.

"The more time we spend with the current squad, which we're delighted to have inherited. It's very talented. We need to improve and we will always be opportunistic if we can, if we can improve we will look to do that."

Hughes was then asked about the futures of players such as captain Virgil Van Dijk and talisman Mohamed Salah, who are now entering the final year of their respective deals at the club.. "Contractual situations, it would not be fair for us to talk about," Hughes added.

"These are private matters between club and players. The only concerns we have is total commitment to the cause for next season and we're convinced that is the case."

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool is already being linked with several players throughout the window, with added balance and depth in the back four likely a priority. A left footed center-half, such as Levi Colwill of Chelsea, would fit the profile perfectly but the club are also being linked with added bodies in both midfield and out wide too.

Whether or not Van Dijk and Salah extend their stays at the club, remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that both players are capable of competing at the highest level still, given Van Dijk's nomination for Premier League Player of the Season and Salah's 18 goals and 10 assists across 28 starts.