Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Slot jokes about Salah in Tuesday's press conference(Image: Liverpool YouTube)

Arne Slot was waiting, waiting and waiting.

So, much the like player in question, the Liverpool boss offered up an inviting opportunity.

The discussion had centred on the chances of Mohamed Salah being named the Ballon d'Or later this year given the outstanding form that continued at Manchester City with another goal and assist in the 2-0 Premier League win on Sunday afternoon.

And when Slot suggested he would like the forward to continue his form for a longer period of time and therefore sign a new contract, he paused for a moment and joked: "You guys don't ask me about that anymore, so that's a positive!"

READ MORE:Arne Slot reveals how Mohamed Salah form could impact new Liverpool contract talksREAD MORE:Arne Slot confirms extended Liverpool injury layoff as Alexis Mac Allister update given

Sure enough, questions then later followed on the current situation regards Salah, who - similar to skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold - is out of contract at the end of the season.

But the Reds boss was more forthcoming about Salah's chances of following Manchester City midfielder Rodri in being named best player in the world having remarkably previously never placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d'Or voting.

"It is mostly about attackers although the last winner was a midfielder," says Slot.

"It is a good thing Mo is in the discussion because it means he is doing well and we are doing well, but to stay in that discussion he should bring in the same performances he has done for seven or eight months now.

"In general someone that wins the Ballon d’Or has to win something as well.

But in football it is always like this, you need the team to win an individual prize and that is what Mo understands really well because his work-rate almost during the whole game was very good and very helpful to us for having the chance to win against City.”

Salah's contribution against City helped Liverpool open up an 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, albeit having played a game more.

And the 32-year-old - who now has a remarkable 30 goals and 21 assists in 38 appearances this season for the Reds - will look to continue his form when Newcastle United visit on Wednesday night.

The Egyptian is the Premier League's leading scorer with 25 goals, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak having moved level with City forward Erling Haaland with two goals in the Magpies' 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

And Slot is acutely aware of the danger the Swedish striker can pose.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.