Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah were on target for Liverpool as they cruised into the New Year with a 5-0 win over West Ham United. The Reds defender has been the topic of intense scrutiny following reports from Spain but the England international seemingly had a message during his celebration.

Alexander-Arnold added a fourth in the second-half as his long-range effort deflected off Max Kilman, leaving Alphonse Areola rooted to the spot. The 26-year-old wheeled away making a mouth-mimicking gesture with his hand as his teammates followed jubilantly.

This week, reports from Marca claimed that the Liverpool academy graduate had already signalled his intent to his boyhood club that he wanted to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

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In a series of pictures on Instagram, Alexander-Arnold posted a picture smiling as he is joined in the celebrations by Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz, as well as a snap whispering with Salah. Both of the Liverpool stars are facing uncertain futures at Anfield as speculation mounts ahead of their contracts expiring at the end of the season.

From January 1, overseas clubs can enter negotiations over a pre-contract agreement for the duo, as well as Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was quizzed about the celebration from the full-back, a matter of days after the front page from the Spanish news outlet. However, the Dutchman wasn't fazed by the external noise.

"I don't think it's negative at all. He's playing really well," said Slot. "So I don't think I have to say much more about it. I'm really happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo and with Virgil.

"So for me there's no difference. For the outside world maybe there's a bit more things happening around Trent in the media than with the other two, but I'm happy with all three at the moment."