A clear objective, Liverpool has as a priority to find its new coach

Liverpool's next manager will hope to be inheriting a title-winning squad at the end of the season but there could be some difficult decisions ahead. While most of Jürgen Klopp's squad have been tied down to long-term deals, there remains concerns over arguably Liverpool's three best players.

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Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will all be in the final year of their contracts next season having played pivotal roles in Liverpool's success under Klopp. Salah's future remains the source of much speculation and he is likely to again be a target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer.

Van Dijk meanwhile will turn 33 this summer and it remains to be seen how much longer he can perform at the top level. But Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says the main concern at present is Alexander-Arnold. The England star has enjoyed another incredible season and continued his comeback from injury by playing the final 20 minutes against Chelsea in midweek. “Virgil van Dijk is not the biggest worry and neither is Mo Salah. It’s Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Carragher told the Overlap.

“Those three players have 18 months to go. In 18 months Salah and Van Dijk will be 34 or 35. So this thing about we could lose Van Dijk, well it might actually be the right decision in 18 months. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the one you have almost got to build this team around for a new manager." Carragher's comments come after Van Dijk suggested his future was unclear under Liverpool's next manager. The Dutchman later moved to reiterate his commitment to the Reds and insisted he has no plans to depart anytime soon.

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A solo favorite

Xabi Alonso remains the frontrunner to replace Klopp this summer and the Spaniard has the backing of his former teammate. Carragher said: "I think it should be Xabi. He is very inexperienced in management but what he has done in 18 months at Leverkusen is pretty remarkable. You think of the managers he has had, and the football they play, he is the type of guy that would have the crowd on side straightaway.