Liverpool news: Mo Salah's announcement questioned as Real Madrid 'option' emerges

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Liverpool were sent into the international break with their tails tucked between their legs. A defeat to Brighton handed the Reds their tenth defeat of the season.

That result has now been compounded by the earth-shattering news that legendary winger Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season. The defending Premier League champions now look to be hurtling into yet another summer of change.

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While all eyes will be on the future of Arne Slot and the players coming into Anfield, today's Liverpool news sees a key player linked with a move away. Elsewhere, Salah's bombshell announcement has been questioned by a Premier League icon. Mirror Football takes a closer look.

Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Salah's announcement might backfire and result in negativity if Liverpool's campaign continues to underwhelm.

Salah is poised to conclude his Liverpool stint after nine years with the club after the 33-year-old confirmed he would leave the club with 12 months still remaining on his contract this summer.

"I'm not sure it's ideal timing to announce that," Keane said. "I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season. Last year, there was the noise, 'This could be my last game at Old Trafford.' He played all of those games last year before he signed his new deal. If Liverpool finish the season really badly, and they've not been great, and he's in games.

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"We saw it with Trent a little bit, in different circumstances. Is he leaving and then he has a bad game against United. So just say they come off it in the last month or two, and they don't do anything in the cup matches, and he's not at his best, they'll be saying, 'He's already left the club and his heart is not in it.'"

Keane warned: "I think that can turn a bit nasty, so this idea of a parade... it would be different if they were Arsenal , top of the league, they're going to win the league like last year. I'm not sure about the timing. I don't know why he doesn't wait until the end of the season and go, 'I've done my bit.'"

Spanish outlet Marca reports that Los Blancos are in open dialogue with Ibrahima Konate's representatives regarding a move this summer.

Madrid are said to have been forced into action on their defence as they weigh up Antonio Rudiger's situation. The German centre-back remains uncertain to stay in the Spanish capital beyond this season.

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The La Liga giants have now turned their attentions to future defensive plans. The report claims Madrid want Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, but he could sign a new contract in Germany.

Should he do so, Madrid are said to see Konate as 'another option' with the club said to have reached out to his representatives. The French centre-back has been in middling form this season, but Liverpool will be loath to see an experienced defender leave the club amid an injury crisis in their backline.

While Konate could depart as a free agent at the end of the season, Liverpool fans have been given some hope that he will stay. According to The Athletic , both the player and the Anfield outfit are looking to reach an agreement, with productive and amicable discussions continuing.